Argonauts, << AHR guh nawts >>, in Greek mythology, were the companions of Jason, a famous hero. They sailed with Jason on a voyage to capture the Golden Fleece, the golden wool of a flying ram. About 50 of the greatest Greek heroes took part, including Castor and Pollux, Hercules, Orpheus, Peleus, and Telamon.
The Argonauts took their name from their ship, the Argo. The ship had been named for its builder, Argos, a famous craftsman. The Argo was the longest ship built until that time. The goddess Athena helped in the ship’s construction.
After many adventures, the Argonauts found the Golden Fleece in the far-off land of Colchis. They brought the fleece back to Greece after surviving many dangers on the return voyage. Because of their successful quest, the Argonauts were honored above all other men. In ancient times, it was a mark of great honor to be able to claim that an ancestor had sailed with Jason to find the Golden Fleece.
See also Golden Fleece; Jason; Medea.
