Jason and the Argonauts.docVIP

Jason and the Argonauts Jason was the son of King Aeson of Iolcus and rightful heir to the throne. But before Jason was born, King Aeson’s half brother, Pelias, had overthrown the king and imprisoned him. Jason’s mother pretended that her son had died at birth. And she took him away secretly to be brought up by Chiron the centaur, a creature who was half horse and half man. If King Pelias had known of Jason’s existence, he would surely have put the boy to death. Even though Pelias knew nothing of Jason, he could not rest. For an oracle had warned him that he would be killed by a relative and that he must guard against a man wearing one sandal. Many years later, a handsome young man with curly, golden hair came walking into the marketplace at Iolcus. He was wearing a leopard’s skin and only one sandal. He had lost the other while carrying an old woman across a river. When King Pelias saw the tall stranger with one sandal, he was instantly afraid. Surely he was the man about whom the oracle had warned Pelias. What is your name? said King Pelias. And why have you come to my kingdom? I am called Jason, said the stranger. I have come to claim the throne, for my father is your half brother, and I am the rightful king of this land. I do not wish to quarrel with you. You may keep all the riches of the kingdom, but I must have the title of king, for it belongs to me. King Pelias thought quickly and said, I shall not quarrel with you. The throne shall soon be yours. But first you must do one thing. Bring back the Golden Fleece from the kingdom of Colchis. It hangs on a tree there and is guarded by a dragon that never sleeps. This ram’s fleece of gold belongs to our kingdom, and only a strong, fearless man like you can recover it. When you return with it, I shall yield my throne. King Pelias was sure that nobody could survive such a dangerous quest, but Jason did not know this. What a fine adventure it will be, said Jason. I accept the challenge gladly. I shall choose a gro