Jason was a hero in Greek mythology who led a band of men called the Argonauts. Their capture of the Golden Fleece–the wool of a golden ram–ranks among the most exciting adventures in mythology.
Jason was the son of Aeson, the king of the city of Iolkos. Pelias, Aeson’s brother, seized the throne and forced the infant Jason and his mother to flee the city. After Jason grew up, he returned to Iolkos to claim his father’s throne. To get rid of Jason, Pelias persuaded him to organize an expedition to capture the Golden Fleece from the distant land of Colchis.
For the expedition, Jason recruited about 50 heroes who became known as the Argonauts after their ship, the Argo. After many dangerous adventures, the Argonauts reached Colchis. Medea, the daughter of the king of Colchis, fell in love with Jason. With the help of Medea’s magic powers, Jason captured the Golden Fleece and returned to Iolkos.
