Author |
Topic: Minotaur's riddles (Read 5000 times) |
|
alien2
Uberpuzzler
Gender: 
Posts: 6991
|
 |
Minotaur's riddles
« on: Aug 27th, 2007, 1:46pm » |
 Quote  Modify
|
You enter a large labyrinth made out of stone. The legend says, that there is gold in its center. After several hours, you find the center of the labyrinth, and several crocks of gold there! Unfortunately, you also find the Minotaur, holding the biggest axe you have ever seen. He is standing right there, eyeballing you with blazing eyes, and smoke is coming from his nostrils. You are, clearly, no match for the Minotaur, but luckily for you, he opens his mug: 'There is no point to run away from me, earthling, as I am faster than you, plus I have an excellent sense of smell, and I know this labyrinth quite well. I like to feed on human flesh, but I also like riddles. So, I will say two riddles to you, and if you answer one riddle correctly, I will spare your life. If you answer two correctly, I will give you the crock of gold as well. And if you provide none correct answer, I will feast on your flesh.'
a) You are at the beginning of a labyrinth, looking like quadrangle from the outside. So, you are facing the entry, and you know that you are facing either West or North. So when you get to the center of the labyrinth, is there a way for you to point one side of the World for sure, be it North, South, West or East? Mind you, you are not allowed to point the same direction again, nor use one side of the world more than once.
b) You and a friend of yours are standing in front of a labyrinth, entirely made out of stone. All that you are allowed to have on you is your clothes and footwear, with which you mustn't part, as you are not allowed to leave it in the labyrinth. You may enter the labyrinth one at a time, whenever you're ready, and one time only. You are not allowed to say anything to your friend when you leave the labyrinth, nor when you are inside it. Still, is there a way for your friend to find the center in the fastest possible way? Mind you, you are not allowed to use your bodily fluids.
|
| « Last Edit: Sep 8th, 2007, 6:25am by alien2 » |
 IP Logged |
|
|
|
denis
Uberpuzzler
Gender:
Posts: 1222
|
|
Re: Minotaur's riddles
« Reply #1 on: Aug 27th, 2007, 2:17pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Is the labyrinth outside (i.e. can you see the sun)?
If yes, Icarus's answer to the riddle "for just a few dollars more" should work
on Apr 1st, 2007, 12:45pm, Icarus wrote:| He stuck a stick in the ground, and marked the end of it's shadow. then he waited for a while, and marked the end of the shadow again. The line though the two marks is E-W. |
|
|
| « Last Edit: Aug 27th, 2007, 2:31pm by denis » |
IP Logged |
|
|
|
mikedagr8
Uberpuzzler
A rich man is one who is content; not wealthy.
Gender:
Posts: 1105
|
|
Re: Minotaur's riddles
« Reply #2 on: Aug 27th, 2007, 2:20pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Damn it, took my answer for one of them. So close.
|
|
IP Logged |
"It's not that I'm correct, it's that you're just not correct, and so; I am right." - M.P.E.
|
|
|
denis
Uberpuzzler
Gender:
Posts: 1222
|
|
Re: Minotaur's riddles
« Reply #3 on: Aug 27th, 2007, 2:36pm » |
Quote Modify
|
b) I can propose a solution which requires the first person to drink lots of water (or preferably, coffee) before entering the labyrinth.
On the other hand, he can make a small cut in his hand or arm before entering the labyrinth and marking the path with drops of blood.
|
| « Last Edit: Aug 27th, 2007, 2:39pm by denis » |
IP Logged |
|
|
|
alien2
Uberpuzzler
Gender:
Posts: 6991
|
|
Re: Minotaur's riddles
« Reply #4 on: Aug 27th, 2007, 2:47pm » |
Quote Modify
|
on Aug 27th, 2007, 2:36pm, denis wrote:b) I can propose a solution which requires the first person to drink lots of water (or preferably, coffee) before entering the labyrinth.
On the other hand, he can make a small cut in his hand or arm before entering the labyrinth and marking the path with drops of blood. |
|
That is not allowed. If it were, then he could eat a lot of beans as well. As it happens, it is a pretty big labyrinth, so it probably wouldn't work if it were allowed. I am not looking for a gross answer here, or one that could cause a serious injury. Btw, there are no knives at their disposal.
on Aug 27th, 2007, 2:17pm, denis wrote:Is the labyrinth outside (i.e. can you see the sun)?
|
|
Yes.
on Aug 27th, 2007, 2:17pm, denis wrote:
If yes, Icarus's answer to the riddle "for just a few dollars more" should work
|
|
No sticks either.
|
| « Last Edit: Aug 27th, 2007, 2:52pm by alien2 » |
IP Logged |
|
|
|
alien2
Uberpuzzler
Gender:
Posts: 6991
|
|
Re: Minotaur's riddles
« Reply #5 on: Aug 27th, 2007, 2:55pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Minotaur has just eaten Denis.  Are there more brave riddlers? 
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
towr
wu::riddles Moderator
Uberpuzzler
Some people are average, some are just mean.
Gender:
Posts: 13730
|
|
Re: Minotaur's riddles
« Reply #6 on: Aug 27th, 2007, 3:13pm » |
Quote Modify
|
For b, you could use signing, or interpretive dance, to convey the layout of the labyrinth without actually saying a word.
Or simply walk around in the labyrinth long enough to wear a trail into the stone
In all fairness though; yes and yes, satisfies the criteria of the riddles.
Sure, it may send Grice spinning in his grave, but strictly speaking they are yes or no questions. How is besides the point 
|
|
IP Logged |
Wikipedia, Google, Mathworld, Integer sequence DB
|
|
|
gotit
Uberpuzzler
Gender:
Posts: 804
|
|
Re: Minotaur's riddles
« Reply #7 on: Aug 27th, 2007, 3:25pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Can I assume that once I find the center,I will come out of the labyrinth without loosing my way?
|
|
IP Logged |
All signatures are false.
|
|
|
alien2
Uberpuzzler
Gender:
Posts: 6991
|
|
Re: Minotaur's riddles
« Reply #8 on: Aug 27th, 2007, 3:41pm » |
Quote Modify
|
on Aug 27th, 2007, 3:13pm, towr wrote:For b, you could use signing, or interpretive dance, to convey the layout of the labyrinth without actually saying a word.
|
|
No singing either.
on Aug 27th, 2007, 3:13pm, towr wrote:
Or simply walk around in the labyrinth long enough to wear a trail into the stone
|
|
Trail into the stone? You're kidding, right?
on Aug 27th, 2007, 3:25pm, gotit wrote:| Can I assume that once I find the center,I will come out of the labyrinth without loosing my way? |
|
You're the one in the labyrinth, not me.
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
mikedagr8
Uberpuzzler
A rich man is one who is content; not wealthy.
Gender:
Posts: 1105
|
|
Re: Minotaur's riddles
« Reply #9 on: Aug 27th, 2007, 6:06pm » |
Quote Modify
|
a) I'm lost in a maze/labyrinth of confused. But using denis's idea, I myself am the stick, and I mark it out. To mark it, he used a T-intersection. If done properly, no matter the angle it should work.
b) Because my friend and I are really tall, and very good at jumping, we jump over to see where the middle is, say it out loud together, then work out a language such as morse-code to converse the quickest way through. Then confirm it when he comes out.
|
|
IP Logged |
"It's not that I'm correct, it's that you're just not correct, and so; I am right." - M.P.E.
|
|
|
TheNumberScott
Full Member
Gender:
Posts: 210
|
|
Re: Minotaur's riddles
« Reply #10 on: Aug 27th, 2007, 6:59pm » |
Quote Modify
|
on Aug 27th, 2007, 1:46pm, Iceman wrote: Mind you, you are not allowed to point the same direction again, nor use one side of the world more than once.
|
|
Is this implying that if I get it wrong at first, I get to "guess" again, but I have to point a different way?
|
|
IP Logged |
There once was a man who hurt his shins. So he went to the doctor to get some help, and they gave him shins of rebar!
|
|
|
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
Uberpuzzler
Sorry Goose, it's time to buzz a tower.
Gender:
Posts: 1672
|
|
Re: Minotaur's riddles
« Reply #11 on: Aug 27th, 2007, 8:31pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Are we allowed to use our own shadows? If so, align yourself in the same way as you did when you knew you were facing either north or west. Guess north to be straight ahead of you. If you are wrong, west must be straight ahead so point to your left and guess south.
|
| « Last Edit: Aug 27th, 2007, 8:34pm by Whiskey Tango Foxtrot » |
IP Logged |
"I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use." - Galileo Galilei
|
|
|
Grimbal
wu::riddles Moderator
Uberpuzzler
Gender:
Posts: 7527
|
|
Re: Minotaur's riddles
« Reply #12 on: Aug 28th, 2007, 12:45am » |
Quote Modify
|
a) Point at any direction parallel to the walls. You point one side of the World for sure, be it North, South, West or East. You don't know which, but it is one of them.
I don't see the point of "you are not allowed to point the same direction again". If you can point multiple times, just point once every damn direction of the compass.
b) When you get out, leave pieces of gold at every intersection to mark the right path. You don't want to actually do it, but the question is "is there a way", and there is.
Or, since "You are not allowed to say anything to your friend.", you can explain everything to your left big toe. When the friend is around, of course, and might accidentally overhear it.
|
| « Last Edit: Aug 28th, 2007, 12:46am by Grimbal » |
IP Logged |
|
|
|
alien2
Uberpuzzler
Gender:
Posts: 6991
|
|
Re: Minotaur's riddles
« Reply #13 on: Aug 28th, 2007, 2:31pm » |
Quote Modify
|
on Aug 27th, 2007, 8:31pm, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot wrote:Are we allowed to use our own shadows? If so, align yourself in the same way as you did when you knew you were
facing either north or west. Guess north to be straight ahead of you. If you are wrong, west must be straight ahead so point to your left and guess south. |
|
Yes, I think so.  But my idea has nothing to do with your shadow, because you really don't need it, if you know what I mean..
on Aug 28th, 2007, 12:45am, Grimbal wrote:
b) When you get out, leave pieces of gold at every intersection to mark the right path. You don't want to actually do it, but the question is "is there a way", and there is.
|
|
on Aug 27th, 2007, 6:06pm, mikedagr8 wrote:
b) Because my friend and I are really tall, and very good at jumping, we jump over to see where the middle is, say it out loud together, then work out a language such as morse-code to converse the quickest way through. Then confirm it when he comes out. |
|
No jumping and no Morse code. And no gold.
|
| « Last Edit: Aug 28th, 2007, 2:36pm by alien2 » |
IP Logged |
|
|
|
gotit
Uberpuzzler
Gender:
Posts: 804
|
|
Re: Minotaur's riddles
« Reply #14 on: Aug 28th, 2007, 3:45pm » |
Quote Modify
|
a) When i enter the labyrinth I assume that I am facing north.As I move in the labyrinth and take turns,I keep track of which direction I am moving.
Without the loss of generality,let us suppose that when I reach the center,I am facing east (according to my assumption) and I tell the minotaur the same.If I am wrong,I will come to know that my assumption of facing north in the entrance was wrong and therefore at the entrance I was facing west.So now I am definitely facing north and my left is west.So I turn to my left and tell him that I am facing west.
And alas!!! I'm saved.
|
|
IP Logged |
All signatures are false.
|
|
|
denis
Uberpuzzler
Gender:
Posts: 1222
|
|
Re: Minotaur's riddles
« Reply #15 on: Aug 28th, 2007, 4:14pm » |
Quote Modify
|
on Aug 28th, 2007, 3:45pm, gotit wrote:a) As I move in the labyrinth and take turns,I keep track of which direction I am moving.
|
|
on Aug 27th, 2007, 1:46pm, Iceman wrote:| After several hours, you find the center of the labyrinth, and several crocks of gold there! |
|
After several hours in the labyrinth, it may prove difficult to keep track. I would just wait for the sun to set as the sun is visible according to Icey. Were is sets, it is approximetely West.
|
| « Last Edit: Aug 28th, 2007, 4:16pm by denis » |
IP Logged |
|
|
|
gotit
Uberpuzzler
Gender:
Posts: 804
|
|
Re: Minotaur's riddles
« Reply #16 on: Aug 28th, 2007, 4:34pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Well, this was the first solution that came to my mind.But later, I thought that if it were that simple, Icey wouldn't have asked the riddle.
But may be I was wrong.
|
|
IP Logged |
All signatures are false.
|
|
|
alien2
Uberpuzzler
Gender:
Posts: 6991
|
|
Re: Minotaur's riddles
« Reply #17 on: Aug 28th, 2007, 5:31pm » |
Quote Modify
|
on Aug 28th, 2007, 3:45pm, gotit wrote:a) When i enter the labyrinth I assume that I am facing north.As I move in the labyrinth and take turns,I keep track of which direction I am moving.
|
|
Yes. That might work.
on Aug 28th, 2007, 4:14pm, denis wrote:
After several hours in the labyrinth, it may prove difficult to keep track. I would just wait for the sun to set as the sun is visible according to Icey. Were is sets, it is approximetely West. |
|
It is difficult to keep track, yes, but it is possible if you discipline yourself, if you try harder. Sun could work too, I suppose, particularly if you have a wristwatch, and it is, what, noon?
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
denis
Uberpuzzler
Gender:
Posts: 1222
|
|
Re: Minotaur's riddles
« Reply #18 on: Aug 28th, 2007, 9:12pm » |
Quote Modify
|
on Aug 28th, 2007, 5:31pm, Iceman wrote:
... particularly if you have a wristwatch, and it is, what, noon? |
|
Not bad. I had something else in mind although I can't say it since I am eaten by the minotaur.
|
| « Last Edit: Aug 28th, 2007, 9:51pm by denis » |
IP Logged |
|
|
|
gotit
Uberpuzzler
Gender:
Posts: 804
|
|
Re: Minotaur's riddles
« Reply #19 on: Aug 28th, 2007, 9:47pm » |
Quote Modify
|
on Aug 28th, 2007, 4:14pm, denis wrote:
Were is sets, it is approximetely West. |
|
What if the labyrinyh is in one of the poles and its summer out there.You might have to wait for six long months to get out of the labyrinth.
Btw,winter is even worse!!
|
| « Last Edit: Aug 28th, 2007, 9:51pm by gotit » |
IP Logged |
All signatures are false.
|
|
|
denis
Uberpuzzler
Gender:
Posts: 1222
|
|
Re: Minotaur's riddles
« Reply #20 on: Aug 28th, 2007, 9:57pm » |
Quote Modify
|
The minotaur would have problems living at the pole. (Not enough riddlers pass through for it to eat, not to mention the extreme cold).
We do know from greek mythology that the site of the minotaur-labyrinth is located at Knossos on Crete at the coordinates 35°18N, 25°10E
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minotaur
|
| « Last Edit: Aug 28th, 2007, 10:08pm by denis » |
IP Logged |
|
|
|
gotit
Uberpuzzler
Gender:
Posts: 804
|
|
Re: Minotaur's riddles
« Reply #21 on: Aug 29th, 2007, 1:29am » |
Quote Modify
|
on Aug 28th, 2007, 9:57pm, denis wrote:
Do you think that Daedalus had kept the roof of the labyrinth open for the minotaur to see the sun?
|
|
IP Logged |
All signatures are false.
|
|
|
mikedagr8
Uberpuzzler
A rich man is one who is content; not wealthy.
Gender:
Posts: 1105
|
|
Re: Minotaur's riddles
« Reply #22 on: Aug 29th, 2007, 1:35am » |
Quote Modify
|
Of course, otherwise he'd be as pale as an albino, have you ever seen a pure white bull in film or television?
I haven't, if you find proof, it'd be helpful for an argument at school.
|
|
IP Logged |
"It's not that I'm correct, it's that you're just not correct, and so; I am right." - M.P.E.
|
|
|
denis
Uberpuzzler
Gender:
Posts: 1222
|
|
Re: Minotaur's riddles
« Reply #23 on: Aug 29th, 2007, 4:13am » |
Quote Modify
|
on Aug 29th, 2007, 1:35am, mikedagr8 wrote:Of course, otherwise he'd be as pale as an albino, have you ever seen a pure white bull in film or television?
I haven't, if you find proof, it'd be helpful for an argument at school. |
|
Either that or Deadelus may have been the first inventor of the retracable roof.
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
alien2
Uberpuzzler
Gender:
Posts: 6991
|
|
Re: Minotaur's riddles
« Reply #24 on: Aug 29th, 2007, 7:10am » |
Quote Modify
|
So, 2nd riddle is still unsolved. Any ideas?
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
|
RIDDLES SITE
WRITE MATH!
Home 
Help 
Search 
Members 
Login 
Register
Reply
Notify of replies
Send Topic
Print