Apsyrtus
The Colchian prince who leads pursuit, is lured into an ambush and killed by Jason.
Overview
Apollonius presents Apsyrtus as an adult prince who commands the Colchian fleet in pursuit. He trusts Medea’s proposal for a private meeting, approaches alone and is ambushed by Jason. Pseudo-Apollodorus preserves an incompatible younger-brother version in which the child travels aboard the fleeing ship and is dismembered. The two accounts differ fundamentally in his age, location and death.
Relationships
- Argonaut Expeditionleads the pursuit
Apsyrtus leads the Colchian fleet by a shorter route and blocks the return.
- Medealures away with a private proposal
Medea sends a proposal that draws Apsyrtus to meet alone near the temple.
- Jasonambushes and kills
Jason ambushes Apsyrtus at the meeting arranged through Medea.
Story appearances
- The ArgonautsApsyrtus in the Argonaut expedition
Apsyrtus enters this story through the Argonaut expedition; other versions are handled where their own episodes call for them.
Ancient sources
MythWeave distinguishes ancient-source evidence from later adaptations and modern interpretation.
- Apollonius Rhodius, Argonautica, Book 4.294–551: Apsyrtus pursues, is lured and killed
- Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca, 1.9.24–28: Apsyrtus variant, purification, Sirens and Talos
- Apollonius Rhodius, Argonautica, Book 4.552–981: Zeus’ storm, Circe’s purification, Sirens and strait hazards
- Apollonius Rhodius, Argonautica, Book 4.982–1169: Colchian reclamation and the marriage decision
- Apollonius Rhodius, Argonautica, Book 4.1170–1637: Syrtes, carrying Argo and Triton’s guidance
- Apollonius Rhodius, Argonautica, Book 4.1638–1781: Talos, Anaphe and return to Pagasae