English : The Quest of the Golden Fleece : Study Questions

Lemnos Island

An island filled with fierce women who killed all men

Who helps Jason on his quest ?

Aphrodite, Cupid, and Medea

What tests does he put Jason through?

He requires that he yoked two bulls, whose feet were bronze, and breath was flaming fire. Then he had to plow a field with the bulls, which would spring up armed men, whom he had to defeat.

What does Jason do to Medea at the end?

He tells her that Aphrodite was the one who helped them and not her. He decides to marry someone else and leaves her to herself in exile. She then kills his bride and their children, as she leaves on a dragon drawn chariot he curses her.

Why did Hercules leave the Argo?

His armbearer Hylas was taken by a water nymph and he followed her until he was nowhere to be found.

What made this mission special?

Jason was the first European hero to take on a great journey.

Who is Pelias?

Jason's cousin; the usurper of his kingdom; uncle of Phixius

Who went on the Argo?

Jason, Hercules, Pollux, Castor, Orpheus

What happens to Pelias after Jason returns with the Golden Fleece?

Medea gave him a sleeping-draught and forced his daughters to cut him to bits.

Where are three adventures he has along the way?

The island of Lemnos, fierce women who killed all men, but they helped them and sent them on their way. Harpies came down and defiled the food whenever the old man who helped them ate (Phineus). They were going to kill the hounds of Zeus, but Iris warned them not to. Phineus then gave them advice on how to get through their next adventure, the Clashing Rocks or Symplegades. He told them to send a dove through first, and that if it went through safely, then they would not.

Why is Pelias worried about a "one-sandaled" stranger?

The oracle told his that a person shod with only one shoe would come to kill him

What is the Golden Fleece?

pure gold fleece from the ram that saved Phixius

Saylla

smooth sheer rock

Who were the amazons?

warrior women who worshiped Ares

How does the King of Colchis treat Jason when he arrives?

He first treats him very well, he clothes him and feeds him, but after he finds out why he came he is harsh.

Why does Jason seek the Golden Fleece?

Pelias says that he can be the king of his kingdom if he successfully brings back the Golden Fleece.

Why is the sea of Helle called the "Sea of Helle"

Phixius's sister fell into it a drowned and it was named after her.

How does Madea figure in these events?

She helps Jason because she is shot by an arrow of Cupid. She gives him an ointment and tells him how to defeat the armed men. She helps him to get the fleece and get out of the country before her father finds out. She had to kill her brother in order to save them, and brought Jason's father back to life.

Charybdis

a water monster - that was often described as a whirlpool

Who is Medea?

daughter of the Colchis King, she was shot by Cupid and fell in love with Jason, and helped them succeed on their mission

Sirens

enchanting singers who lured people into the sea

Cohcians

fierce people

What were the Harpies?

frightful flying ugly beasts that had hooked beaks, claws and a stink who defile food known as the "hounds of Zeus