The Argonautica · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Argonautica by Apollonius of Rhodes.
Chapter 1
Book I: The Gathering of Heroes and the Voyage Begins
The Argonautica opens with an invocation to Phoebus Apollo, recounting the prophecy that drove King Pelias to send Jason on the quest for the Golden Fleece. The Argo is built with Athena's guidance, and the poet catalogues the heroes who assemble, including Orpheus, Heracles, Polydeuces, Castor, and many others. After a delay on Lemnos, where the Argonauts consort with the women and Hypsipyle bonds with Jason, Heracles rebukes them, and they depart. They stop at the isle of Elektra for mystic rites, then sail into the Black Sea, passing the tomb of Phrixus and the land of the Doliones.
Chapter 2
Book II
The Argonauts continue their journey, encountering the blind prophet Phineus who advises them on navigating the Clashing Rocks. They successfully pass through the Symplegades with the help of Athena and a dove. Jason expresses his fears and responsibilities as leader, but the crew's encouragement renews his resolve. They also learn of the dangers awaiting them in Colchis, including the sleepless serpent guarding the Golden Fleece.
Chapter 3
Book III: The Love of Medea
Hera and Athena seek Aphrodite's help to make Medea fall in love with Jason, ensuring his success in obtaining the Golden Fleece. Eros wounds Medea with an arrow, and she becomes consumed with passion. Jason meets Medea at Hecate's temple, and they pledge mutual aid. Medea, torn between loyalty to her father and love for Jason, agrees to help him overcome the trials set by King Aeëtes.
Chapter 4
Book IV
Medea, tormented by guilt and fear of her father's wrath, flees Colchis with Jason after aiding him. Hera orchestrates divine aid, enlisting Thetis and Hephaestus to calm the seas and fires for the Argo's passage. The chapter explores Medea's internal conflict, her magical escape, and the gods' intervention to ensure the heroes' safe journey.
Chapter 5
The Translator's Epilogue
This epilogue discusses the life and work of Apollonius of Rhodes, author of the Argonautica. It covers his conflict with the literary establishment of Alexandria, led by Callimachus, his initial failure and subsequent success in Rhodes, and his eventual return to Alexandria as head of the Museum. The text also analyzes the originality of the Argonautica, its relationship to Homeric epics, and its influence on later poets like Virgil.
Chapter 6
Endnotes
The endnotes provide brief annotations referencing a saying attributed to someone and a satirical allusion to Apollonius's birthplace by the Nile.