THE REAL MYTH

In myths, Jason was the son of King Aeson, ruler of the city of Iolcus. When he was a child, his uncle Pelias took the throne from the king and had Aeson imprisoned. Jason escaped and was raised by Chiron, a wise Centaur who taught him how to fight.

When he was an adult, Jason went to get his father’s kingdom back. But the only way King Pelias would give the throne back is if Jason found the Golden Fleece. This magical hide was from a golden ram that once belonged to Jason’s ancestors. It would give Jason the right to the kingdom.

For his quest, Jason asked for help. Famous heroes from across the land joined him. They included Hercules, the strongest person in the world. He also had a mighty ship built, the Argos, which gave the heroes their name, Argonauts.

Jason and the Argonauts sailed to Colchis, a land ruled by King Aeetes. The king did not want to give up the fleece, so he challenged Jason to several deadly tasks. To complete them, the king’s daughter, Medea, offered to help him, but only if he would marry her.

Jason was able to take the Golden Fleece from King Aeetes and then returned to Iolcus. He eventually became the city’s ruler.