What did ariadne give to theseus and why?

Ariadne gave Theseus a ball of thread to help him navigate the Labyrinth and find his way back after defeating the Minotaur. The thread allowed him to retrace his steps, ensuring he could escape the complex maze after completing his mission. She provided this crucial aid out of love and a desire to help him succeed, as she was captivated by Theseus.