Jason and the other Argonauts set off on a journey. They managed to procure the Golden Fleece, and perhaps you will become wealthy too!
Becoming a Hero
For many years, King Pelias ruled the city of Iolk, usurping the throne in the most brazen manner—he simply seized power from his brother Aeson. The rightful ruler had to save both himself and his son named Jason. King Aeson took the child to the mountains to hand him over to the centaur Chiron, who possessed a wisdom envied by the wisest of men.
The mentor raised Jason until he was twenty. When he grew up, it was time to return to Iolk and claim the throne that was rightfully his. On his way to his native city, Jason encountered an old woman who asked him to carry her across a stream. He agreed to help and lost one sandal in the turbulent waters. On the other side of the stream, the old woman transformed into Hera and promised Jason her protection. The wife of Zeus vanished, yet she continued to observe her protégé until the very end of his journeys.
The Throne is for the Worthy
King Pelias feared a one-sandaled man more than anything—an oracle had warned that this man would bring numerous woes to the ruler of Iolk. Upon seeing Jason, the traitor who had deposed his father was filled with dread.
Jason claimed his rights to the throne, and Pelias agreed to relinquish power if Jason could prove himself worthy of becoming king and procure the Golden Fleece for him. In truth, the scoundrel intended to kill his nephew—the artifact he spoke of was held by the king of distant Colchis, and only a man aided by the gods could obtain it.
A Grand Battle
Jason gathered his friends: Hercules, Orpheus, Polydeuces, and other heroes. The “Argonauts” embarked on the ship “Argo,” which set sail for distant lands. Numerous dangers awaited the heroes on their way to their coveted goal…
The first obstacle was King Amycus, whom the Argonauts encountered upon arriving in Bithynia. The local ruler challenged the strongest of the heroes to hand-to-hand combat. Polydeuces faced off against the boastful king and killed him with a single blow. The subjects of the fallen king then attacked the legendary heroes, and they had to slay every last one of them.
Hello, Colchis!
The second obstacle for the “Argo” was the moving rocks of the Symplegades, through which no ship had ever passed. Perhaps it was the gods’ help or sheer luck, but Jason managed the impossible! The vessel sailed between the legendary rocks, which remained still from then on.
Upon arriving in Colchis, Jason and his companions stood before King Aeëtes. The king refused to hand over the Golden Fleece for free—cleverly, he devised a challenge! Our hero was to tame two fiery bulls, plow a field with them, and sow dragon’s teeth.
In Love with a Sorceress
Aphrodite, at Hera’s instigation, made the court sorceress Medea fall in love with Jason, who gave her beloved an ointment that granted invulnerability for one day. The great warrior accomplished the task, but from the sown dragon’s teeth, giants arose, attempting to kill him.
Perhaps they would have succeeded, but Medea advised him on what to do—throw a large rock at the mindless creatures! The giants fought each other over the massive boulder and ended up killing one another.
Returning Home
Despite his promise, Aeëtes still refused to give up the fleece. Jason had to steal the relic—he escaped on the ship along with Medea and his loyal friends.
Upon returning to Iolk, the bearer of the Golden Fleece learned of the death of his father and brother, who had been treacherously killed by Pelias. Fortunately, Medea helped her beloved rid himself of the treacherous uncle; however, Jason never ascended to the throne of his native city—the next ruler was Adrastus, the son of the deceased king.
The new ruler attempted to kill the leader of the Argonauts. Jason was forced to wander the world for the rest of his days. And you can live this myth right now and make a good fortune if luck is on your side!
