Event
Taking of the Golden Fleece
The event in which Medea leads, Jason takes the object and flight begins after Aeetes refuses the bargain.
Overview
The public name uses “taking” rather than deciding ancient legality in advance. Aeetes sets a condition but prepares murder after it is fulfilled; Medea therefore flees and subdues the dragon while Jason removes the Fleece from the oak.
Relationships
- Argonaut Expeditionforms the expedition turn
Taking the Fleece turns the quest immediately into a pursued return.
Story appearances
- The ArgonautsTaking of the Golden Fleece in the Argonaut expedition
Taking of the Golden Fleece 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 4.6–211: Medea flees, the dragon is subdued and the Fleece is taken
- Apollonius Rhodius, Argonautica, Book 3.1163–1407: Hecate rite, fire-breathing bulls and earthborn warriors
- Apollonius Rhodius, Argonautica, Book 4.294–551: Apsyrtus pursues, is lured and killed
- 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