
The poem tells the story of Jason and the quest for the Golden Fleece. It begins with the introduction of Jason's father Aeson, who is overthrown by King Pelias. The narrative then shifts to Jason's journey to Colchis, where he must retrieve the Golden Fleece. Jason sets sail from Iolcos with a crew of heroes, including Hercules and Orpheus. They face various challenges on their way to Colchis, including encounters with the Harpies and the Sirens. Upon arriving in Colchis, Jason falls in love with Medea, the daughter of King Aetes. She helps him obtain the Golden Fleece by tricking her father into giving it to them. However, their journey back to Greece is fraught with danger. They are pursued by the Colchian king's forces and must navigate treacherous waters to escape. The poem explores themes of love, power, and the human condition through Jason's journey. It also delves into the mythology of ancient Greece, drawing on various mythological figures and events.
By Apollonius · First published 3 · Genre: Epic Poetry, Mythology, Adventure · 4 chapters · 79,208 words
First in my song shalt thou be, O Phoebus, the song that I sing Of the heroes of old, who sped, at the hest of Pelias the king, When down through the gorge of the Pontus-sea, through the Crags Dark-blue, On the Quest of the Fleece of Gold the strong-ribbed Argo flew.
For an oracle came unto Pelias, how that in days to be A terrible doom should be dealt him of him whom his eyes should see From the field coming in, with the one foot only sandal-shod.
Epic Poem · Ancient Greek Literature · Heroic Quest · Jason and the Golden Fleece · Greek Mythology · Adventure Story · Fantasy · Mythological Fiction · Classical Epic · Medieval Influence · Oral Tradition · Verse Narrative
Argonautica is listed on Textopian as a novel by Apollonius, dated 3 CE.
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