Metamorphoses · Chapter
Book VII explained
Medea uses her magic to help Jason obtain the Golden Fleece, restores Aeson's youth, and later deceives Pelias's daughters into killing their father.
What happens
Medea uses her magic to help Jason obtain the Golden Fleece, restores Aeson's youth, and later deceives Pelias's daughters into killing their father. She then flees in a dragon-drawn chariot, witnessing various mythological transformations.
Themes in this chapter
Transformation and Metamorphosis
Aeson's restoration to youth and the ram turned into a lamb exemplify physical transformation through magic.
Violence and Revenge
Medea's manipulation leading to Pelias's murder by his daughters highlights revenge and familial violence.
Love and Desire
Medea's secret passion for Jason and her jealousy over Creusa drive much of the plot.
Characters to notice
- Jason
Hero who seeks the Golden Fleece; later asks Medea to restore his father Aeson's youth.
- Medea
Enchantress who aids Jason, restores Aeson, and tricks Pelias's daughters into murdering their father.
- Aeson
Jason's aged father, restored to youth by Medea's magic.
- Pelias
Aged king killed by his own daughters at Medea's instigation.
- Aeacus
Father of Telamon and Peleus; appears with his sons to join forces.
- Hercules
Mentioned in connection with Euryphilus's town and the matrons' punishment.
- Bacchus
Mentioned for disguising a stolen steer as a stag in Ida's grove.
- Apollo
Mentioned as Phoebus, who cherished Rhodes.
Key passages
“But a whole troop of lusty youths, rush forth; And, what's more strange, with martial fury warm'd, And for encounter all completely arm'd; In rank and file, as they were sow'd, they stand, Impatient for the signal of command.”
A group of armed young men, born from sown dragon's teeth, stand ready for battle, awaiting orders.
Describes the earthborn warriors springing up from the dragon's teeth.
“Old Aeson Restored to Youth Medea, at the request of her husband, restores his aged father, Aeson, to the vigour and sprightliness of youth.”
Medea rejuvenates Jason's elderly father Aeson, making him young again.
Highlights the theme of transformation through magic.
“Medea feigns a mortal quarrel bred Betwixt her and the partner of her bed; On this pretence to Pelias' court she flies, Who languishing with age and sickness lies: His guiltless daughters, with inveigling wiles, And well-dissembled friendship, she beguiles”
Medea pretends to be angry with Jason and goes to Pelias's court, where she deceives his daughters into believing she can restore their father's youth.
Sets up the tragic deception leading to Pelias's death.