# The Golden Fleece—Medea explained — Bulfinch’s Mythology

> Chapter companion for Bulfinch’s Mythology by Thomas Bulfinch.

## What happens

Jason, with the help of Medea, the sorceress daughter of King Aeëtes, successfully yokes fire-breathing bulls, sows dragon's teeth that spawn armed men, and lulls the guardian dragon to sleep to seize the Golden Fleece. He flees with Medea and the Argonauts back to Thessaly, delivering the fleece to Pelias. The chapter also recounts the origin of the fleece, the construction of the Argo, and the perilous journey through the Clashing Islands.

## Themes in this chapter

### Heroism and the Quest

Jason's quest for the Golden Fleece embodies the heroic journey, facing supernatural trials with the aid of allies and divine favor.

### Love and Transformation

Medea's love for Jason leads her to betray her father and use her sorcery, transforming the course of the quest.

### Mortality and Immortality

The golden fleece itself symbolizes an elusive prize; the narrative reflects on the mortal cost and the fleeting nature of such gains.

## Character check-ins

### Jason

Leader of the Argonauts; undertakes the quest for the Golden Fleece; yokes the fire-breathing bulls and sows the dragon's teeth.

### Medea

Daughter of King Aeëtes and a potent sorceress; aids Jason with charms and potions; later flees with him.

### Orpheus

One of the Argonauts; celebrated for his music during the launching of the Argo.

### Hercules

Among the band of heroes who joined Jason's expedition.

### Theseus

Another renowned hero who sailed with the Argonauts.

## Key lines

> 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 grabbed the fleece and quickly fled with Medea and his comrades to their ship, escaping King Aeëtes, and sailed safely back to Thessaly. There he gave the fleece to Pelias and consecrated the Argo to Neptune.

_Summarizes the successful conclusion of the quest and the return journey._

> It probably was the first important maritime expedition, and like the first attempts of the kind of all nations, as we know from history, was probably of a half-piratical character.

This voyage is likely the earliest significant sea expedition, and similar to other nations' first ventures, it probably had a semi-piratical nature.

_Provides historical interpretation of the myth as a reflection of early Greek seafaring._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xvii-the-golden-fleece-medea
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters