Classical Wisdom Litterae - April 2019

Unfortunately for Pelias, the oracle was right.

help an old woman (who, fantastically enough, was the goddess Hera) and he lost his shoe. When Jason was announced as the man with one sandal, the fearful uncle knew the time had come.

Aeson’s infant son, Jason, miraculously survived. When the executions began, Jason’s mother ordered the women to cluster around the baby and cry as if he was still-born. Thus they successfully deceived the wrathful uncle that he was not alive.

Pelias could not kill his nephew, however, in front of all the gathered kings and spectators, so he sent Jason on a mission, one he t h o u g h t wa s imp o s s i b l e t o accomplish…

“[P ELIAS ] TOLD J ASON THIS : ‘T O TAKE MY THRONE , WHICH YOU SHALL , YOU MUST GO ON A QUEST TO FIND THE G OLDEN F LEECE .’ J ASON HAPPILY ACCEPTED .”

Afterwards she sent Jason away to be educated with the centaur Chiron, knowing his life would be in danger if Pelias found out the truth.

He told Jason this: “To take my throne, which you shall, you must go on a quest to find the Golden Fleece.” Jason happily accepted. Jason then assembled his super team of monster vanquishing men, and embarked in their famous ship, the Argo. Their first stop? The island of Lemnos, known for the foul smelling, men-killing women who inhabit the place.

Jason grew up to be a strong, capable man who was determined to return to his hometown and take back his rightful throne.

One day Pelias decided to throw a few games in honor of his alleged father, the god Po s e i don . Th i s wa s t he pe r f e c t opportunity for Jason to visit.

And so, the myth of Jason and the Argonauts began…

On the way, he crossed a river to

Left: Engraving, The Argonauts Pass the Symplegades, 1655

THE ILIAD, BYHOMER Dive into battle amidst the most memorable heroes of the ancient world. Relive the battle for Troy through Homer’s irreplaceable epic.

No mere war story, The Iliad touches upon some of the most important themes in literature. Guided by introductions and analysis from Classical Wisdom Weekly, you can start exploring the text today and, if you wish, discuss it with your fellow society members at our forum. iPad:

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