Apollodorus (chapter on Jason and Medea)

Apollodorus of Athens was a Greek scholar and mythographer who lived in the 1st century BC. He is best known for his work Bibliotheca, a comprehensive compendium of Greek mythology. The Bibliotheca is divided into three books, and the first book contains the story of Jason and Medea.

Apollodorus's account of Jason and Medea is one of the most detailed and authoritative versions of the story. It draws on a variety of sources, including the works of Homer, Hesiod, and Pindar. Apollodorus's account is also notable for its objectivity and its attention to detail.

In Apollodorus's account, Jason is the rightful king of Iolcus, but his half-brother Pelias has overthrown him and killed his father. Jason vows to avenge his father's death and reclaim his throne. To do this, he needs to find the Golden Fleece, a magical fleece from a ram that has been given to King Aeetes of Colchis by the gods.

Jason gathers a group of heroes, known as the Argonauts, to accompany him on his quest. The Argonauts sail on the ship Argo, which was built by the hero Argus. After a long and dangerous journey, the Argonauts arrive in Colchis.

Jason faces many challenges in his quest for the Golden Fleece, including a team of fire-breathing oxen and a dragon that guards the fleece. With the help of the sorceress Medea, Jason is able to overcome these challenges and obtain the Golden Fleece.

Jason and the Argonauts then sail back to Iolcus. Jason kills Pelias and reclaims his throne. He and Medea marry and have two children. However, Jason later abandons Medea for another woman. Medea is devastated and takes revenge by killing Jason's new wife and their children.

Apollodorus's account of Jason and Medea is a tragic story about love, betrayal, and revenge. It is also a story about the importance of family and the dangers of ambition.

Here are some of the key features of Apollodorus's account of Jason and Medea:

  • It is one of the most detailed and authoritative versions of the story.
  • It draws on a variety of sources, including the works of Homer, Hesiod, and Pindar.
  • It is notable for its objectivity and its attention to detail.
  • It is a tragic story about love, betrayal, and revenge.
  • It is also a story about the importance of family and the dangers of ambition.

Apollodorus's account of Jason and Medea is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in Greek mythology. It is a well-written and informative account of one of the most famous stories in Greek mythology.

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