Chapter Seven – Myth & The Anti-Hero

The story of Jason and the Argonauts is among the most popular of hero myths.  It has adventure, danger, the intervention of the gods, the great prize—the fabled Golden Fleece.  But, as you will see as you read Jason and the Argonauts and Medea, there is a darker side to this hero.  This version, written in the 3rd century BC by Apollonius, is the earliest, most complete version of the myth.  It is edited in our book.  The original is a much longer story.

What is interesting here is to see how Jason changes throughout the story. Change is a characteristic of the hero, but how he or she changes is important as well. Jason’s change is caused by a flaw in his character, what the Greeks referred to as hubris—pride.  Pay attention as well to Medea.  The author, Apollonius, was quite sophisticated in her character development and insight into her thought processes.

We also get a good insight into the relationship between the gods and Jason and Medea.  One thing to think about as you read this is, do Jason and Medea really have a choice in what happens?

As you read, you will notice the repetition of phrases that can be annoying to modern readers.  The repetition comes from the oral tradition.  The phrases are like aids to the oral storyteller, kind of like the refrain of a song.  Try not to let them distract you.

An anti-hero is a protagonist who lacks the characteristics we typically associate with a hero—nobility of mind and spirit, humility, compassion, things like that.  Modern audiences don’t expect our heroes to be perfect; that would make them pretty predictable and boring. But there should be limits on how imperfect a hero can be before he turns into a villain.  Jason perhaps walks the line.  You decide.

I have given you a brief chapter by chapter overview.  I ask a lot of questions in the sections.  I do not expect you to answer them.  They are just things to look for as you read, and maybe think about as you answer the questions.

Chapter 1

Jason does start out with good intentions.  He is to avenge the theft of the kingdom of Iolcus from his father, Aeson.  The bad guy is his uncle, Pelias.  Jason seems a little short-sighted early on.  He seems to set himself up to find the Golden Fleece, a dangerous and long trip to a faraway kingdom whose ruler has a very scary reputation.  In fact, Pelias is convinced that Jason will never return.  Jason sets off with the Argonauts, one of whom was Pelias’s only son.

It is important to note the role that Hera plays in the story.  What are her reasons for getting so involved?  What is her plan?  How does this affect the way you evaluate the actions of Jason and Medea?

 Chapter 2

There are a lot of messages and hidden warnings for Jason from Phineus.  Do you feel he helps Jason?  What is the cause of Phineus’s fate?  What lessons does his life have for people?  In this chapter we are introduced to Medea.  How is she presented?  What’s your first impression of her?  How is Hera using her?

Chapter 3

Jason finally gets to Colchis, land of the Golden Fleece.  On a quest, there are tests or adventures one must perform in order to move forward.  What is the task here and what does is show that Jason must have? On page 182, Jason says “Why should my heart flood with fear?  Heroes and cowards alike share the same fate.” What does this say about his role as hero?  Do you agree with this statement?  Jason also realizes he cannot perform the task set out by Aeetes, so he realizes that Medea can be a great help.  “I will even rely on a woman!” he states. (I’m already not liking him.)  Medea goes through mental turmoil.  What are her concerns?  What position is she in?

Chapter 4

After a long internal struggle, Medea decides to help Jason.  She has the powerful herbs that will make him invincible and meets with him.  She gives him the herbs and tells him exactly what he must do to complete the tasks. She promises she will help him get the Golden Fleece from the serpent who guards it.  She is totally in love with him at this time, which plays into Hera’s plan nicely.  Jason is warming up to Medea, promising her to be remembered and have her name known.

There is also a very strange ritual she performs that is a great archetype of rebirth. (This will be important when we read Medea next week.)  She kills him, makes Jason stew, and brings him back to life, strong, renewed and ready for the challenge.  Jason pledges his undying, everlasting love to Medea in an over the top way (see page 191).  As they plan to flee after getting the fleece, Jason insists they take Medea’s little brother with them, as an insurance policy, and this will become important at the end of the myth.

Chapter 5

Of course Jason is successful in plowing the field taming the bulls and defeating the warriors.  Aeetes is pretty smart and realizes the Jason must have had help to succeed, and the only person capable of this kind of help is Medea.  She is now a traitor.  Aeetes decides that Jason has not earned the fleece. He plots to kill not just Medea, but Jason and all the Argonauts.

Chapter 6

Jason, with a lot of help from Medea, acquires the Golden Fleece.  They prepare to flee, taking the fleece and Medea’s little brother, Apsyrtus. On page 197, Medea reminds Jason of all she has done for him and begs him to save her from her father’s anger, and to take her away and not hold her in contempt.  Do you find this odd?  Do you think she realizes Jason may not be as he seems?  He promises to take her to his home and marry her, and love her until death. They all safely escape Aeetes.

What are Jason’s first words after he gets the fleece?  Does he change as a result of having the fleece?

Readings:

• Jason and the Golden Fleece (Historical Background)
• Jason and the Golden Fleece, Greece [This is a longer one!] 

Mostly for next week, but it will help to dive in to this as soon as you can as well:

• Medea (Historical Background)
• Medea, Greece [This is a longer one!]