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The Argonauts

From the one-sandal oracle to a return bearing both Fleece and blood-pollution: a twelve-chapter expedition driven by collective skills, Medea’s choices and costly success.

Chapters

  1. 01

    The One-Sandal Prophecy

    Pelias recognises the one-sandal threat in Jason and turns recovery of the Golden Fleece into an errand designed to prevent his return.

    JasonPeliasIolcusHeraGolden FleeceArgonaut Expedition
  2. 02

    The Ship and the Crew

    Argus builds Argo with Athena’s aid, and Jason leads not one all-sufficient hero but a crew combining song, strength and specialised skills.

    ArgoArgus the BuilderAthenaJasonHeraclesOrpheusPolydeucesZetesCalaisArgonaut ExpeditionIolcus
  3. 03

    The Stay on Lemnos

    Hypsipyle receives the expedition after Lemnos’ violence; the stay lengthens until Heracles reminds the crew that the Fleece still lies ahead.

    LemnosHypsipyleJasonHeraclesArgoArgonaut Expedition
  4. 04

    Killing in the Dark

    A contrary wind returns Argo to the shore it has just left; in darkness each side mistakes the other for an enemy, Cyzicus is killed, and dawn turns victory into mourning.

    CyzicusJasonArgoArgonaut Expedition
  5. 05

    The Loss of Hylas

    Hylas is taken by a spring nymph while fetching water; Heracles remains to search, and Argo sails before the crew realises he is absent.

    HylasHeraclesJasonArgoArgonaut Expedition
  6. 06

    Polydeuces Answers Amycus

    Amycus forces arrivals into brutal boxing; Polydeuces answers for the ship and uses individual skill to reopen a route barred by violence.

    AmycusPolydeucesArgoArgonaut Expedition
  7. 07

    Phineus’ Price and Guidance

    Harpies spoil Phineus’ food whenever he tries to eat; Zetes and Calais drive them away, gaining precise guidance for the route ahead.

    PhineusHarpiesZetesCalaisArgonaut Expedition
  8. 08

    Between the Clashing Rocks

    The expedition releases a dove to test the rocks’ rhythm, then passes through by coordinated rowing and Athena’s final push.

    SymplegadesPassage of the Clashing RocksArgoAthenaPhineusArgonaut Expedition
  9. 09

    Aeetes’ Terms

    Jason presents Pelias’ command in Colchis; suspecting a bid for his throne, Aeetes demands that Jason alone yoke fire-breathing bulls and face dragon-tooth warriors.

    JasonAeetesColchisPhrixusHeliosGolden FleeceYoking the Fire-Breathing Bulls
  10. 10

    Eros’ Arrow and Medea’s Decision

    Hera and Athena enlist Aphrodite, who sends Eros; the arrow brings pain and desire, yet Medea still deliberates among fear, family duty and flight before choosing to provide the charm and plan.

    HeraAthenaAphroditeErosMedeaHecateJasonAeetes
  11. 11

    The Bulls and the Golden Fleece

    With Medea’s protection and instructions, Jason completes the bulls and dragon-teeth trial; when Aeetes still withholds the prize, Medea leads him to subdue the dragon and take the Fleece.

    JasonMedeaAeetesYoking the Fire-Breathing BullsColchian DragonGolden FleeceTaking of the Golden FleeceArgo
  12. 12

    A Homecoming under Pollution

    Apsyrtus is lured into a trap and killed by Jason, and Zeus’ storm forces the crew to seek Circe’s purification; Orpheus counters the Sirens, Medea brings down Talos, and Argo finally returns.

    ApsyrtusJasonMedeaZeusCirceSirensOrpheusScyllaCharybdisTalosArgoArgonaut ExpeditionGolden FleeceTaking of the Golden Fleece

Ancient sources

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