Jason and the Golden Fleece

Before the story

• Aeson (Jason's father) was the rightful heir to the throne of Iolcus and a descendant of the god Aeolus
• Pelius was Aeson's jealous half brother and son of Poseidon
• The Golden Fleece is the skin of the flying ram of Zeus
• The fleece was being kept in Colchis
• Originates in ancient Greece

The story

• Pelius bypassed his brother, took the throne of Iolcus and imprisoned him in the dungeons
• An Oracle said that in punishment of his self centred actions, a decedent of Aeson would come of age and dethrown him
• Aeson got married and had kids in prison, including Jason

Continued story

• Convinced that Jason was the child the oracle spoke of, when he came of age, Pelius sent him on a journey to recover the legendary Golden Fleece to which he hoped Jason would perish.
• Jason embarked on a ship called the Argos
• Crew called the Argonauts

Even more

• Arrived in Colchis asked for the Fleece from King Aeetes but had to pass tests (fiery steel bull)
• With the help of Medea, (a sorceress and King's daughter) he passed the test
• King again tried to get Jason killed by making him retrieve the fleece guarded by a dragon
• Zeus angered with the murder of Medea's brother, so sent monsters to destroy them. (Sirens, Skylla and Charybdis, Talos)
• Gave fleece to Pelius, took throne with Medea

Character significance

• Jason and the Argonauts are the heros that against all odds succeed in their journey
• Pelius and King Aeetus are the representation of the jealous and manipulative side of humanity
• Medea is the dedicated strong female who stands up against her malicious father

Meaning

• Jason was set up his whole life to fail but still persisted
• His dedication to rightfully regaining the thrown in his father's name
• Golden Fleece was revered as the "impossible journey"

Symbolism and Allusion

• The Fleece is a symbol of ultimate authority and power
• Whomever had it was granted that power
• Canadian CFL team the "Toronto Argonauts" is an allusion to the Argos persistent and loyal crew

Jason and the Argonauts (1963)

Contemporary usage

• Can be used to describe someone who is attempting the impossible
• "He was out chasing the Golden Fleece while his wife stayed home and looked after the kids."
• Talked about as a waste of time
• Related to the term "Golden Boy" as someone described as such is usually viewed as hard to acheive

Sources

• "Jason and the Argonauts." PBS. N.p., n.d. Web.
• Black, John. "Jason and the Legendary Golden Fleece." Ancient Origins. N.p., 5 Feb. 2014. Web. 5 Apr. 2016.
• "Jason and the Argonauts." Shmoop. N.p., n.d. Web.