Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
The Golden Fleece explained
The chapter recounts the myth of the Golden Fleece, beginning with King Athamas and Queen Nephele, their children Phryxus and Helle, and the ram with the golden fleece that carries Phryxus to Colchis.
What happens
The chapter recounts the myth of the Golden Fleece, beginning with King Athamas and Queen Nephele, their children Phryxus and Helle, and the ram with the golden fleece that carries Phryxus to Colchis. It then follows Jason, who, after being denied his throne by his uncle Pelias, undertakes the quest for the fleece. With the help of the Argonauts—including Hercules, Orpheus, and Theseus—and the sorceress Medea, Jason overcomes the trials set by King Aeëtes: yoking fire-breathing bulls, sowing dragon's teeth that spawn armed warriors, and lulling the guardian dragon to sleep. He seizes the fleece and returns to Thessaly, dedicating the Argo to Neptune.
Themes in this chapter
Heroism and the Quest
Jason's journey to retrieve the Golden Fleece exemplifies the heroic quest, requiring courage, cunning, and the aid of allies.
Love and Transformation
Medea's love for Jason leads her to betray her father and use her sorcery, transforming the outcome of the quest.
Mortality and Immortality
The golden fleece itself symbolizes an immortal prize, while the mortal heroes face life-threatening trials.
Characters to notice
- Jason
The protagonist who leads the Argonauts to retrieve the Golden Fleece, aided by Medea.
- Medea
Daughter of King Aeëtes and a sorceress who helps Jason complete his tasks in exchange for marriage.
- Hercules
One of the Argonauts who leaves the expedition at Mysia in search of Hylas.
- Orpheus
The tuneful bard among the Argonauts, whose music is celebrated in the chapter.
- Theseus
Mentioned as one of the renowned heroes who joined Jason's expedition.
- King Aeëtes
King of Colchis who sets Jason the impossible tasks to obtain the Golden Fleece.
Key passages
“Castor and Pollux; Orpheus, tuneful bard; Zetes and Calais, as the wind in speed; Strong Hercules and many a chief renowned.”
The crew included Castor and Pollux, the musician Orpheus, the swift Zetes and Calais, the mighty Hercules, and many other famous heroes.
This passage lists the Argonauts, emphasizing the legendary nature of the expedition.
“Hercules left the expedition at Mysia, for Hylas, a youth beloved by him, having gone for water, was laid hold of and kept by the nymphs of the spring, who were fascinated by his beauty.”
Hercules abandoned the voyage in Mysia because the young Hylas, whom he loved, was captured by water nymphs while fetching water.
This incident explains Hercules' departure from the Argo and is a famous episode in the myth.
“Jason seized the fleece and with his friends and Medea accompanying, hastened to their vessel before Aeëtes the king could arrest their departure, and made the best of their way back to Thessaly, where they arrived safe, and Jason delivered the fleece to Pelias, and dedicated the Argo to Neptune.”
Jason quickly took the fleece and fled with Medea and the Argonauts to their ship, escaping King Aeëtes, and successfully returned to Thessaly, where he gave the fleece to Pelias and consecrated the Argo to Neptune.
This concludes the quest, highlighting Jason's success and the dedication of the ship.