knew of/learn of

[angliholic]

There was only one path out of the maze, and only Daedalus knew of it. The king did not want anyone else to learn of the secret path, so he imprisoned Daedalus and his son, Icarus, on the island.



I suspect knew and learn read as well in the above context. So why does the original take on "of" and what does "of" indicate? Thanks.

[Anglika]

There was only one path out of the maze, and only Daedalus knew of it. The king did not want anyone else to learn of the secret path, so he imprisoned Daedalus and his son, Icarus, on the island.



I suspect knew and learn read as well in the above context. So why does the original take on "of" and what does "of" indicate? Thanks.

"of" in this context = "about" [in this instance, "about the path's existence"]

[angliholic]

Thanks, Anglika.
By the way, do you think "of" is optional in the base sentence?

[Naamplao]

Thanks, Anglika.
By the way, do you think "of" is optional in the base sentence?

No...the "of" is necessary; removing it changes the meaning of the sentence.

#1 There was only one path out of the maze, and only Daedalus knew of it.

#2 There was only one path out of the maze, and only Daedalus knew it.

In #1 Daedalus not only knows that there is only one path out of the maze but also he is the only one who knows which path it is.

In #2 Daedalus is the only person of the group who knows there is only one path but he does not necessarily know which one it is.

[angliholic]

Thanks, Naamplao.
Got it.