Jason and Medea

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Jason was charged by his uncle, Pelias, with bringing him the golden fleece. In return Pelias swore to give up the throne he had usurped from Jason’s father. Upon reaching Colchis, home of the fleece, the first person to see Jason and his Argonauts was Medea, daughter of King Aeetes of Colchis. Aphrodite placed a spell on Medea that caused her to instantly fall in love with Jason. Aeetes did not want to relinquish the fleece, but he agreed to let Jason have it if he could pass a test.

Medea’s heart was ablaze with love for Jason, and secretly she revealed to him the hidden dangers in her father’s plan. She also gave Jason a magic ointment to protect him from harm. Jason passed Aeetes’ test. However, Medea was convinced that her love was no longer secret. So she crept to the Argonauts’ camp that night and convinced Jason to take the fleece. Jason promised to marry Medea and take her with him. With her help, he managed to steal the fleece away from its guardian, a menacing dragon. The Argonauts set out without delay as the sun began to rise.