Argus son of Phrixus

Also known as: Argus · Family: Argonauts · Role: son of Phrixus · First appears: Book II 9

Argus, son of Phrixus and Chalciope, is the brother of Cytissorus, Phrontis, and Melas. After Phrixus died aged in Aeetes’ home, the brothers journeyed to Orchomenus to claim Athamas’ possessions. At the island of Ares, a storm shattered their ship and carried them ashore; at sunrise, Jason recognised them as kinsmen through Cretheus and Athamas, and gave them clothing and aid.

With the Argonauts, Argus helped reach the Phasis and advised Jason during the voyage. After another shipwreck and rescue, he explained to Aeetes that Jason had come for the fleece and proposed that the heroes conquer Aeetes’ enemies, but Aeetes rejected them and ordered them away. Argus then revealed Medea’s skill in magic and suggested seeking her help with the contest.

In Book IV, Argus and his brothers recognised Medea’s voice across the stream. He leapt ashore after Jason and joined the company as she sought their help against Aeetes; the Argonauts took her aboard and pushed away from shore to seize the golden fleece.