Jason

Also known as: Aeson's son / Aeson’s son / Jason son of Aeson / Son of Aeson / son of Aeson / the hero, son of Aeson / the son of Aeson · Family: Argonauts · Role: leader · First appears: Book I 1

At the beginning of Book I, Pelias imposes a perilous voyage on Jason to keep him from returning home, though Jason is the son of Aeson and grieves his mother Alcimede. Guided by Cheiron’s command, he welcomes Orpheus among his companions, gains the support of Athena and Apollo, and is accepted as leader by the heroes: “Thus he spake with high thoughts, and they assented, as Heracles bade; and warlike Jason himself rose up, glad at heart”. Tiphys takes charge of the helm, while Idmon foretells both the return with the fleece and his own death. Jason receives a mantle and instruction from Athena, accepts a spear from Atalanta but prevents her from joining the quest, and declines Hypsipyle’s offer of settlement on Lemnos to continue onward.

During the voyage, Jason kills Cyzicus in a mistaken night battle, follows Mopsus’s prophecy to calm the storm, and restores his friendship with Telamon after their quarrel. Phineus guides the Argonauts toward Colchis and urges them to rely on the Cyprian goddess; Athena helps them through the Clashing Rocks, and Jason forms alliances with Lycus and the Mariandyni. At the island of Ares he recognizes Argus son of Phrixus, Cytissorus, Phrontis, and Melas as relatives through Cretheus and Athamas, giving them clothing and aid before reaching Phasis with Argus son of Phrixus.

At Aea, Jason negotiates with Aeetes, who sets him the deadly task of yoking the fire-breathing bulls and defeating the Earthborn men. With Argus son of Phrixus’s advice, he seeks the aid of Medea, whose charms and instructions allow him to withstand the bulls, yoke them, and turn the Earthborn against one another. Their love becomes mutual, and Jason promises her marriage: “And in our bridal chamber shalt thou prepare our couch; and nothing shall come between our love till the doom of death fold us round.” With Medea’s help he takes the fleece, brings her aboard as his promised wife, and begins the return voyage. Together they agree to ambush and kill Apsyrtus; Circe later cleanses them after the murder but refuses further aid.

On the return, Thetis guides the Argo through the Wandering rocks, while Alcinous welcomes the Argonauts and rules that Medea may remain with Jason if she is married. That night Jason and Medea wed in the sacred cave. The heroes then cross Libya carrying the ship, receive directions from Triton, and reach the sea; Jason interprets Euphemus’s prophecy that an island will one day belong to his descendants, while Apollo reveals Anaphe and brings light to the voyagers.