Jason and the Argonauts

The voyage of Jason and the Argonauts and their hunt for the Golden Fleece is one of the most enduringly popular of all of the Ancient Greek heroic myths. Accepting the quest in order to regain his kingdom, Jason assembled a crew of legendary heroes, including Hercules, Orpheus, Atalanta, and the twins Castor and Polydeuces. With this band of warriors and demi-gods, Jason set sail in the Argo on a journey across the known world. During their quest, the Argonauts faced numerous challenges including the Harpies, the Clashing Rocks, the Sirens, Talos, the bronze giant, the sleepless dragon that guarded the fleece, and, of course, the fickle will of the gods of Olympus. Filled with magic, monsters, sword fights, and sacrifice, this ancient adventure story is given new life by Neil Smith who also examines its historical context, its classical sources and its enduring legacy. 
Contents 
The Man with One Sandal 
Narrative: Jason and his Mission 
Sources for Jason 
Greek Mythology: Its purpose and relevance 
The Gods: Who were they and what did they do? 
The Voyage Out 
Preparations: Greek Ships and Jason’s Crew 
Narrative: Lemnos 
Narrative: The Doliones: “real” fighting, Greek arms and armour 
Narrative: The Harpies 
Narrative: Clashing Rocks 
Colchis 
Narrative: Jason’s 3 Tasks & the Golden Fleece 
Jason & Medea 
The Voyage Back 
Narrative: Sirens 
Narrative: Talos 
Narrative: Jason’s Arrival 
Jason’s Demise 
Narrative: Jason’s Betrayal: Euripides’ Medea 
Jason’s Legacy 
Jason in Books & Movies