greek mythology

Part 13:Jason And The Argonauts

jason had won the favor of the goddesses Hera and Athena. With their help Jason built the fabled ship Argo, which had 50 oars. He recruited 50 remarkable people called the Argonauts. They included one woman, Atalanta, and Hercules, the strongest man who lived ever. Orpheus, the poet from Thrace, who could sing more sweetly than the Sirens, as well as Castor and Polydeukis, the brothers of Helen of Troy, were also in the team of the Argonauts.

Jason and the Argonauts set sail for the Black Sea where the legend said the Golden Fleece was hidden. After many adventures, the Argonauts reached the kingdom ruled by Aetes. The king, whose help the Argonauts needed, imposed seemingly impossible tasks upon Jason. One was to harness the fire breathing bulls with brazen feet and plow a field. Then he was to sow the plowed field with dragons' teeth, from which would spring fully armed warriors.

Medea Helps Jason To Steal The Golden Fleece

Medea then led Jason to the place where the Golden Fleece hung, guarded by a terrible dragon. Using a magic potion, Medea put the dragon to sleep, allowing Jason to secure the precious trophy. Jason and the Argonauts put to sea, accompanied by Medea, and pursued by King Aetes.

Medea slew her brother, Apsirtus, who had accompanied them. She cut his body into pieces and flung them into the sea and onto the surrounding land, knowing that Aetes would gather up the dismembered pieces of his son's body to give them a ceremonial burial. Thus Jason and the Argonauts escaped with the Golden Fleece, and returned it to Iolcus.