Crossword Genius

Cretan resident's maiden name found in letter to Greek city of old (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

minotaur

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'cretan resident's maiden name found' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'letter to greek city of old' is the wordplay.
'letter' becomes 'a'.
'to' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other) (I've seen this in other clues).
'greek' becomes 'minot' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'city of old' becomes 'ur' (ancient Sumerian city).
'a' put after 'minot' is 'minota'.
'minota'+'ur'='MINOTAUR'

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for minotaur that I've seen before include "Cretan labyrinth resident" , "50 per cent ruminant" , "Bull-headed Cretan monster" , "Monster, half bull and half man, slain by Theseus in Cretan labyrinth" , "Mythical man-bull" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.