Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Medea and Aeson explained
Medea uses her sorcery to rejuvenate Jason's aged father Aeson, but later deceives the daughters of Pelias into murdering their own father.
What happens
Medea uses her sorcery to rejuvenate Jason's aged father Aeson, but later deceives the daughters of Pelias into murdering their own father. After Jason abandons her for Creusa, Medea exacts a terrible revenge by sending a poisoned robe to the bride, killing her own children, and fleeing to Athens.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Transformation
Medea's love for Jason drives her to rejuvenate Aeson, but her transformation of love into vengeful fury leads to tragic outcomes.
Jealousy and Revenge
Medea's jealousy over Jason's marriage to Creusa incites her to murder the bride and her own children, exemplifying the destructive power of revenge.
Characters to notice
- Jason
Jason wishes to restore his father Aeson's youth and asks Medea for help.
- Medea
Medea performs a complex ritual to rejuvenate Aeson, later tricks Pelias's daughters into killing him, and ultimately takes revenge on Jason by murdering his bride and her own children.
- Theseus
Mentioned as the son of King Aegeus, whom Medea later marries in Athens.
Key passages
“Jason said to Medea, 'My spouse, would that your arts, whose power I have seen so mighty for my aid, could do me one further service, take some years from my life and add them to my father's.'”
Jason asked Medea if she could use her magic to transfer some of his own years to his father Aeson.
Jason's request sets the stage for Medea's rejuvenation ritual.
“Medea replied, 'Not at such a cost shall it be done, but if my art avails me, his life shall be lengthened without abridging yours.'”
Medea refused to shorten Jason's life, promising instead to extend Aeson's life using her own powers.
Medea's response demonstrates her commitment to Jason and her confidence in her sorcery.
“The incantations of Medea will remind the reader of those of the witches in Macbeth.”
Medea's magical rituals are similar to the spells cast by the witches in Shakespeare's Macbeth.
The author draws a literary parallel between Medea and the Macbeth witches.