Adventures on the Argo | Argo Pt 3 | Greeking Out Podcast | NEW | S11 E6 | @natgeokids

Key Concepts

• Jason's quest for the Golden Fleece
• The Argonauts and their journey
• King Amicus and the boxing match
• Paladus's victory
• The harpies and Phineas's curse
• The Boreads (Calais and Zetes) and their pursuit of the harpies
• The Simplices (crashing rocks) and the dove
• The island of Aries and the Stymphalian birds
• Argus (son of Frixus) and his brothers
• Arrival at Colchis

Summary

The Argonauts' Journey Continues

The video continues the story of Jason and the Argonauts' quest for the Golden Fleece. After Heracles left the crew, the Argo arrives in the land of the Beerans, where they are met with hostility.

The Boxing Match with King Amicus

King Amicus, son of Poseidon, challenges the Argonauts to a boxing match. He demands that they choose a champion to fight him. Paladus, one of the Dioscuri (twin sons of Zeus and Leda), volunteers.

• The Challenge: Amicus demands a boxing match as a toll for trespassing.
• Paladus's Strategy: Paladus uses his agility to tire out the larger and stronger King Amicus.
• The Outcome: Paladus defeats and fatally injures Amicus, enraging the Beerans.
• Real-world Application: The strategy used by Paladus is compared to Muhammad Ali's "rope-a-dope" technique.

The Harpies and Phineas's Curse

After escaping the Beerans, the Argonauts land on an island where they encounter Phineas, a blind prophet cursed by Zeus.

• Phineas's Curse: Zeus blinded Phineas and sent harpies to steal his food and leave behind a terrible stench.
• The Harpies: Part-bird, part-woman monsters who torment Phineas by stealing his food and leaving a foul odor.
• The Prophecy: Phineas knows he will be rescued by heroes seeking the Golden Fleece.

The Boreads and Iris's Intervention

Calais and Zetes, the Boreads (twin sons of Boreas, the god of the north wind), pursue the harpies.

• The Boreads' Abilities: The Boreads can fly, either with wings or with their long, majestic hair.
• The Chase: The Boreads chase the harpies, intending to kill them.
• Iris's Intervention: The goddess Iris appears and commands the Boreads to stop, as the harpies were acting on Zeus's orders.
• The Resolution: Phineas is freed from his torment, and the Argonauts enjoy a real feast.

Navigating the Simplices

Phineas, in gratitude, advises the Argonauts on how to navigate the Simplices, two giant rocks that crash together.

• The Simplices: Crashing rocks that destroy ships.
• Phineas's Advice: Release a dove to test the passage and then follow quickly.
• The Outcome: The dove makes it through, losing only a feather, and the Argo follows, sustaining minor damage.
• Divine Assistance: Some versions say Athena helped push the ship through.

The Island of Aries and Argus, Son of Frixus

The Argonauts arrive at the island of Aries, where they encounter more challenges.

• The Stymphalian Birds: Vicious birds with razor-sharp feathers.
• Heracles's Strategy: The Argonauts use Heracles's method of making noise to scare the birds and then shoot them down.
• Argus and His Brothers: The Argonauts meet Argus, son of Frixus, and his brothers, who are also trying to reclaim their birthright in Colchis.
• Argus's Offer: Argus and his brothers offer to guide the Argonauts to Colchis, the home of the Golden Fleece.

Arrival at Colchis

The Argonauts, with their new guides, finally arrive at Colchis, the kingdom of King Ayetes and the location of the Golden Fleece.

Conclusion

The Argonauts continue their perilous journey, facing various challenges and gaining new allies. They finally reach Colchis, where they will face their ultimate test in obtaining the Golden Fleece. The episode sets the stage for the next installment, where the Argonauts will confront King Ayetes and attempt to claim their prize.