Jason, the Argonaut

Jason taking the Golden Fleece

   Jason, in Greek legend the leader of the Argonautic expedition. Jason was the son of Aeson, a king of Thessaly. Aeson became tired of his responsibilities and gave up the kingdom to his brother, Pelias, on condition that he would yield it to Jason when he became old enough to reign.
   When Jason was grown, he demanded his rights. Pelias was unwilling to yield the crown, but he was a wily individual and laid plans for getting rid of Jason. He told the young man that he was ready to give up the kingdom, but that it would be much wiser if he, Jason, should perform some deed of valor by which he could win wealth and fame before he settled down to the duties of ruling.
   Pelias suggested an expedition in search of the golden fleece, which he said was in Colchis on the eastern shore of the Black Sea. Jason thought well of his master's plan and fitted out an expedition.
   He built himself a ship that would hold fifty men. Jason won both the gold­en fleece and a wife, Medea, but he was not very happy with her. She restored his father to youth by her enchantments, but she slew his uncle. Jason finally deserted her for another. Medea, in rage at his unfaithfulness, killed her children, set fire to the palace, and departed never to return.
   Ja­son, according to some accounts, killed him­self soon after. Another version of the story is that he lost his life accidentally.