Jason and the Argonauts

by Neil Smith

  Jason hastened to reassure Medea that she would be treated like a goddess by the Greeks for bringing their people home. Besides, Jason noted, if she came to Greece it would be as his wife, to be parted only by death. In that moment, Medea knew that Jason felt about her as she did about him, and the two star-crossed lovers fell silent, lost in the moment. Jason broke their reverie, pointing out that the day was fading and that Medea needed to return to the palace, in case someone should ask where she had been.

  Medea called her handmaidens and then, mounting her chariot, sped home where she sat deep in thought of both the trials to come and her impending treachery. Jason returned to Mopsus and Argos and told them what had happened as they walked back to the ship. When he showed the Argonauts the potion and told them the story, they celebrated into the night, except for Idas who sat apart, still brooding.

  The following morning, Telamon and Aethalides left for the palace to collect the dragon’s teeth. Jason, meanwhile, prepared to carry out Medea’s instructions that night, so that when the sun went down and the Argonauts prepared for bed, he stole away, carrying a sheep brought by Argos for the sacrifice. Jason bathed in the sacred river before digging a pit in a nearby meadow and filling it with wood. He then sacrificed the sheep, placed it on the fire, and poured on the libations.

  Having completed the rituals, Jason called on Hecate and began to walk back to the ship. Hecate appeared behind him, bathed in bright light and surrounded by snakes. Hellish noises ripped through the night, and the ground quivered, but Jason would not look round. Arriving at the Argo just as dawn was breaking, Jason had no time for rest; he needed to get ready, for today was the day he would retrieve the Golden Fleece.

  The Trials of Jason

  For Aeëtes, today was the day he would have his revenge on the Greek pirates. The king dressed as for war and presented an awesome sight to his gathered subjects. His four-plumed helmet gleamed in the sun as Aeëtes picked up his heavy shield and spear before mounting his chariot and taking the reins. The king then led his people down the road to the Plain of Ares.

  Back at the Argo, Jason steeled himself in preparation for the challenges ahead. He submerged Medea’s potion in water then liberally sprinkled the solution over his spear, sword, and shield. The still-sceptical Idas walked over and slashed the spear with his sword but recoiled in pain when it failed to make a dent. Jason next drizzled the solution over his body, feeling the strength course immediately through his limbs, swelling his arms and legs with energy. Delighting in his newfound power, Jason tossed his spear and shield in the air and leaped to catch them before joining his crew. The Argonauts stood in wonder, then ran to their oars to take their leader up the river to the Plain of Ares, where he would face the terrible bulls. They arrived on the far shore where Aeëtes waited on the riverbank, the Colchian host ranged behind him on the high ground.

  Jason (Todd Armstrong) battles the earthborn men in the 1963 movie. Despite the enduring popularity of this scene, the original sources clearly state that the earthborn men are creatures of flesh and blood. (Pictorial Press Ltd / Alamy)

  Jason could barely contain himself, and jumped down from the Argo as soon as the crew tied her to the shore. His sword hung on a strap over his head, so that in one hand he could carry his spear and shield, while the other was free to pick up the helmet containing the dragon’s teeth. Jason looked across the field, where he could see the heavy yoke but, as yet, no bulls. He strode on to the plain and first thrust his spear butt into the ground, took off his helmet and leaned it on the spear, then paced the ground nearby, tracking the lines of hoof prints there. Seemingly lost in thought, Jason just had time to pull his shield round for protection when the bulls emerged from their pen and charged across the plain. The massive beasts thundered forward, their powerful muscles rippling, and bronze hooves shaking the ground. Flame shot out of the bulls’ nostrils, creating shimmering heatwaves in the still air. Jason had barely taken his defensive stance when the terrible beasts were upon him.

  Jason’s curved shield deflected the bulls’ razor-sharp horns and flaming breath. Bursts of fire licked around the young leader of the Argonauts, but Medea’s potion blocked their burning heat. Then Jason grabbed the horns of one bull, forcing its head down until the animal had to kneel. The other bull renewed its efforts to destroy the defiant man, until Jason brought it down too, with one hard blow. With both animals in positions of submission, Jason threw his shield down, holding them tightly as Castor and Polydeuces rushed over with the yoke, which he bound to the bulls. Jason then attached the guiding pole to the yoke, put his shield on his back, and picked up his spear and the helmet filled with the dragon’s teeth.

  Prodding the bulls with his spear to get them moving, and ignoring their raging bellows of flame, Jason took charge of the plough. He walked calmly along behind the unhappy animals, casting the teeth out into the new furrows, all the while checking behind him to make sure none of the earthborn warriors sprouted prematurely.

  When he finished ploughing, Jason released the subdued bulls and sent them back across the plain with a wave of his hand. He gathered his equipment and walked over to where the Argo was tied up, still keeping his eye on the ploughed field for the first earthborn soldiers to emerge. The Argonauts gathered round to cheer Jason, who filled his helmet from the river to quench his thirst.

  By now, double-pointed spears had started to rise from the soil all across the plain, followed by shining bronze helmets and shields. Jason flexed his muscles and let out a huge roar. He then picked up a nearby boulder and tossed it across the plain into a crowd of now fully emerged earthborn. Jason crouched behind his shield and waited for the soldiers to react. The effects of the boulder did not take long; those earthborn already out of the ground rushed in on each other with spears lowered, while others desperately clawed at the earth trying to get out. Jason seized his chance, leaping from behind his shield, sword in hand, and hacking indiscriminately at the distracted creatures. He caught some earthborn half-emerged and slashed their shoulders and sides; others he sliced through their bellies until the ploughed furrows ran deep with earthborn blood. On and on the slaughter went, until there were no more earthborn to kill.

  When it was all over King Aeëtes stood in mute shock and anguish at the carnage wrought by Jason, but for the moment he could do nothing. He signalled the Colchians to return to the city, where he would consider his next move.

  The Golden Fleece

  Guilt crashed down upon Medea when she returned to her chambers. Elsewhere in the palace, Aeëtes was meeting with his army officers, raging at his misfortune and plotting revenge. Medea, however, was on her own, quaking with fear that her assistance to Jason might have been discovered. She tore at her hair, groaning with despair, and, in her darkest moments, she again contemplated suicide. Once more, Hera intervened, suggesting with thoughts that Medea steal away with Argos and his brothers instead. Medea suddenly calmed down in response, resolving to run. She kissed her bed and doors and stroked the walls before pulling out some of her hair to leave on her bed as a memento for her mother. Then Medea fled into the night.

  Medea ran through the palace grounds, holding her robe like a veil in one hand, while the other gripped the hem of her tunic. She passed unnoticed under the city watchtowers, then out into the country. Moonlight guided Medea’s steps as she raced down to the riverbank. When she got there, she could see the fire on the opposite bank made by the celebrating Argonauts. She called out for Phrontis, the youngest of her four nephews. He heard her, as did Jason, who gathered the Argonauts to search across the river for Medea. She called out twice more to guide her rescuers until, out of the darkness, she could see the boat looming over her. Jason jumped down, followed by Phrontis and Argos even before the crew had tied the Argo to the shore.

  Medea fell to her knees, begging them to save her from Aeëtes, and to save themselves too, because the king surely knew everything. They had to act quickly though, she continued, and retrieve the Fleece before
Aeëtes mounted a hunt for them. She would help calm the serpent that protected the Fleece, so that Jason could snatch his prize and get away unharmed, but she demanded that he honour his promises to her. He must not make her a byword for treason and dishonour. Jason took Medea in his arms and raised her up, telling her once again that he would marry her once they returned safely to Greece.

  Aware that time was of the essence, Jason lifted Medea on board the Argo and ordered the crew to row to the sacred grove. At dawn they arrived at a soot-blackened altar to Zeus, where a path led up into the trees.

  Jason and Medea flitted along the path until they could see the great oak tree from which hung the Golden Fleece. Under the tree, however, two unblinking, monstrous eyes watched the would-be thieves arrive. They belonged to the serpent of the grove, and it slowly uncoiled itself, unleashing a tremendous hissing into the cool morning air. The serpent raised itself up as if to strike until Medea stepped forward and began to sing. The enchanting song affected the serpent immediately. Jason, following fearfully behind Medea, saw the monster visibly relax and begin to descend; yet its eyes never wandered in their gaze until Medea took a sprig of juniper, dipped it into the potion she had brought along, and sprinkled it over the serpent’s face. Finally, the monster’s jaw slumped down in a slumber that soon spread through its coils. Medea signalled Jason to come forward.

  Medea feeds drugged fruit to the dragon, while Jason grabs the Golden Fleece in this scene from a 2nd century AD Roman sarcophagus. (Cesi Collection; Boncompagni Ludovisi Collection)

  Jason (Todd Armstrong) battles the dragon that guards the Golden Fleece in the 1963 movie. The movie borrowed from other Greek myths to get its multi-headed dragon. (Photos 12 / Alamy)

  Jason needed no second invitation; he snatched the Golden Fleece from the oak, then withdrew quickly past Medea. While Jason carried out his raid, Medea rubbed more potion over the serpent’s head to keep it calm. She stopped when Jason reached a safe distance and called for her to leave the sacred grove. The monster slumbered on as the couple stole away, Jason hauling the heavy Fleece over his left shoulder. With the Fleece trailing down his back down to his ankles, Jason appeared to shimmer and shine, while he held on tightly to the wondrous object in fear that he should ever lose it.

  The Argonauts marvelled at the sight of Jason and Medea approaching hand-in-hand in a golden cloud. They reached to take the Fleece from him, but he held it back while he boarded the Argo. On his way aft, Jason placed the Fleece on a mantle and made sure Medea was seated comfortably; then he addressed the crew. The object of their mission was now in safe hands, he told them, and they must now return to Greece, where Jason had promised to marry Medea.

  The Argonauts must protect her, he continued, for she had saved them from defeat and ignominy. Finally, he warned them that Aeëtes would surely block the river mouth and they would have to run the Colchian gauntlet: half of them must row while the rest hold their shields up to deter missiles. When he finished, Jason dressed in his war armour, drew his sword, and cut through the ropes tying the Argo to the riverbank. With Medea at his side, Jason signalled the Argonauts to pull away.

  BOOK IV: THE JOURNEY HOME

  The Wrathful King

  Aeëtes quickly discovered Medea’s treachery and the loss of the Golden Fleece. The king was incensed, and ordered the Colchians to gather their weapons and armour, and muster at the assembly grounds. Aeëtes mounted his chariot, holding his curved shield in his left hand and a large pine torch in his right, and addressed the gathered soldiers. He exhorted his people to bring back Medea so that he could extract his vengeance on her, and warned that they should give up their lives if necessary, or they would face his wrath. Aeëtes led the charge down to the river, with his son, Apsyrtus, driving his chariot.

  The Colchian troops rushed along the riverbanks, but the Argonauts were already past the breakwater, pulling on the Argo’s oars for all they were worth. Undaunted, the Colchians boarded their ships and continued the pursuit out to sea. Even as the Argonauts hoisted their sail, they could see the Colchian boats spreading out like a flock of maddened birds in angry flight.

  Fortunately for the Argonauts, Hera was on their side. She urged the wind to blow favourably, so that, by the third morning out of Colchis, the Argo was well ahead of the pursuit when it reached the mouth of the River Halys, in the land of the Paphlagonians. Medea told Jason to build an altar to Hecate on the shore, and he also took this opportunity to discuss with his crew their voyage home. The prophecy of Phineas that they should return by a different route guided their thoughts, but none of them were quite sure what the old man had meant. Argus, the ship builder, spoke first. He advocated that they sail to Orchomenus, as foretold by Phineas. From there, they should try and find the River Ister and navigate it until they came to the Trinaerian Sea, and from there on to Greece.

  The Argonauts were considering Argus’s suggestion when suddenly they saw a trail of light in the sky – which they deemed a sign from Hera – and decided to follow it. They set sail immediately and headed back out to sea. Before long, the Argonauts sighted the mouth of the River Ister. They dropped sail and prepared to enter.

  The Colchians, meanwhile, had spread their net wide to track down the Argo. Some went to Pontus and down into the Hellespont; others, led by Apsyrtus, sailed up the River Ister. When they reached an island called Peuee that split the river in two, the Colchians took the lower course, not knowing that the Argonauts rowed along the upper river. Apsyrtus therefore reached the Sea of Cronus first, allowing him to cut all the exits through which the Argo might escape.

  Jason and Medea take the Golden Fleece. In most versions of the story, Medea uses her enchantments to put the guardian of the Golden Fleece to sleep. Only in later stories did Jason fight the dragon.

  Jason reached two islands near the mouth of the river, on one of which sat a temple to Artemis. Realizing the Colchians surrounded him, Jason chose to land. The Argonauts gathered, and reasoned that they would likely lose in a fight to the Colchians; therefore, they had little choice but to hold a conference with Apsyrtus and his heralds to debate the available options. At the subsequent meeting between the two sides, it was decided that the Argonauts could keep the Fleece because Aeëtes had promised it to them. As for Medea, the Argonauts agreed she should be placed in the temple of Artemis until a decision was made to either allow her to continue or send her back to face the king.

  Medea listened to the debate with growing alarm. After it concluded, she pulled Jason aside and led him out of earshot of his crew. When they were alone, Medea turned on Jason, accusing him of forgetting his promises, and reminding him of all the sacrifices she had made so that he could get the Fleece; she had given up her family and sold her honour as a woman to follow him and become his wife, and he must stand by her now in her time of need. The alternative for her, she added, was surely torture and death, and if that lay in her future she cursed him to fall foul of the gods, lose the Fleece, and be driven from Greece by the Furies.

  Jason drew back at the vehemence of Medea’s words. He replied that the situation was perilous; enemies surrounded them and the native tribes would help Apsyrtus, but, if she followed his plan, he would see to her safety by getting rid of Apsyrtus then fighting through the leaderless Colchians if necessary. Jason’s speech mollified Medea. She now acknowledged her role in the Argonauts’s predicament, so offered to lure her brother Apsyrtus into the trap if Jason would protect her from the Colchians. It was up to him, she said, to kill Apsyrtus and fight the Colchians.

  Jason’s Shameful Act

  Agreed on their scheme, Medea and Jason organized a collection of gifts for the Colchian heralds, including the sacred crimson robe that had belonged to Hypsipyle of Lemnos. Medea persuaded them to have her brother attend when she arrived at the temple of Artemis, on the grounds that she had been kidnapped by the Argonauts and had a plan to escape with the Fleece back to Aeëtes. That night, the Argonauts dropped Medea off on the island and sailed away.
Jason was not with them, because he had hidden himself near the Temple. Apsyrtus arrived soon afterwards to conspire with Medea. Barely had they finished talking, however, when Jason leaped out sword in hand from behind his cover. Medea drew her veil down across her eyes to avoid watching the fate of Apsyrtus, but Jason did not blink, thrusting his blade deep into the Colchian prince.

  The Death of Apsyrtus by Herbert Draper. In one version of the story of the Golden Fleece, Medea takes her brother Apsyrtus onto the Argo as a hostage. When she sees her father’s pursuing ships, she chops her brother into pieces and throws the pieces into the ocean. The Argonauts then escape while Aeëtes stops to pick up the pieces. In another version, the Argonauts turn around and defeat the Colchians in a pitched battle. (Ivy Close Images / Alamy)

  Apsyrtus staggered into the vestibule of the temple where he filled his cupped hands with blood then wiped them on Medea’s robe as she tried to get away. Jason moved in on Apsyrtus to finish him, then drank from the dead man’s blood three times and spat it out each time, in a traditional ritual carried out by murderers seeking absolution. The gods, however, had witnessed Jason’s desecration of the Temple of Artemis, and they were furious.

  Medea was up and running even as her brother lay dying. She grabbed a torch and lit it as a signal to the Argonauts out in the bay. Jason’s crew were already dressed for war and primed at their oars. The Argo shot forward until it lay alongside the nearest Colchian ship. The stunned Colchian crew had little chance of surviving the whirlwind of bronze-clad warriors that descended on them, hacking and slashing through bone and flesh until, finally, the carnage was over.