Before Jason and the Argo | Argo Pt 1 | Greeking Out Podcast | NEW | S11 E4 | @natgeokids

Key Concepts

• Greek Mythology, Jason and the Argonauts, Golden Fleece, Impossible Task, Divine Intervention, Succession, Prophecy, Hera's Revenge, Hero's Journey.

The Impossible Task and the Lineage of Jason

The episode begins by introducing the story of Jason and the Argonauts, specifically focusing on the events leading up to Jason's quest for the Golden Fleece. The Golden Fleece is described as a magical golden ram's woolly covering, and Jason's quest to retrieve it is framed as an "impossible task," a common trope in folklore.

The Story of King Athamus and Queen Nephele

The narrative then delves into the backstory of the Golden Fleece, starting with King Athamus of Boeotia and his marriage to the nymph Nephele (whose name means "cloud" in Greek). They had twins, Phrixus and Helle. Athamus then abandoned Nephele for Ino, the daughter of King Cadmus of Thebes, driven by ambition and political gain.

• Ino's Treachery: Ino, wanting her own children to inherit the throne, sabotaged the kingdom's grain supply, causing a famine. She then manipulated the oracle's message, demanding the sacrifice of Phrixus to end the famine.

• Nephele's Plea and Hermes' Intervention: Nephele, outraged, prayed to Hermes, the messenger god, for help. Initially reluctant, Hermes was persuaded by Nephele's argument that Ino's actions threatened the integrity of messengers.

• The Golden Ram's Rescue: On the day of the sacrifice, Hermes sent a golden ram to rescue Phrixus. The ram carried Phrixus and Helle away, but Helle fell into the sea and perished, giving the Hellespont its name.

• Phrixus in Colchis: Phrixus arrived in Colchis, where he was welcomed by King Aeetes. He married the king's daughter and had four sons. The golden ram was sacrificed to the gods, and its fleece became King Aeetes' prized possession, guarded by a giant serpent.

The Backstory of Jason's Family

The episode shifts to Jason's family history, starting with his grandmother, Queen Tyro.

• Tyro's Story: Tyro was the daughter of Salmonius, who was killed by Zeus for impersonating him. Zeus spared Tyro and brought her to her uncle Cretheus' home. Tyro had twin sons, Pelias and Neleus, with Poseidon. She was forced to abandon them due to societal shame.

• Pelias and Neleus' Revenge: Pelias and Neleus eventually found their mother and killed the queen of Iolcus (Cretheus' wife) in the temple of Hera for mistreating Tyro. This act angered Hera.

• Pelias Usurps the Throne: Cretheus married Tyro and had three sons, including Aeson, who became king. Pelias, driven by jealousy and ambition, staged a coup, banishing Aeson and his brothers.

• Jason's Escape: Pelias ordered the execution of Aeson's infant son, Jason. To save him, Jason's mother, Alcmede, sent him to be raised by the centaur Chiron, who trained him to be a warrior.

• The Oracle's Prophecy: Pelias, feeling insecure, consulted an oracle who warned him to "beware of the man wearing one sandal."

Jason's Journey and Hera's Intervention

• Jason's Return: At the age of 20, Jason decided to return to Iolcus and claim his birthright.

• The Encounter with Hera: On his journey, Jason encountered an old woman struggling to cross a muddy river. He helped her, losing a sandal in the process. The old woman was actually Hera in disguise, testing Jason's character. Hera was still angry about Pelias spilling blood in her temple and seemed to be plotting revenge.

• The One-Sandaled Man: Jason continued his journey to Iolcus, now fitting the oracle's prophecy as the "man wearing one sandal."

Conclusion

The episode concludes by emphasizing that this is not the beginning of Jason's story but rather the setup for the events to come. It highlights the complex web of family history, divine intervention, and political intrigue that will shape Jason's quest for the Golden Fleece. The next episode will delve into the actual story of Jason and the Argonauts.