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Argonautica
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Argonautica

work by Apollonius of Rhodes
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Quick Summary

The Argonautica is an epic poem by Apollonius of Rhodes, written around the 3rd century BCE. It recounts the legend of Jason and his band of heroes, the Argonauts, who sailed on the ship Argo to retrieve the Golden Fleece from Colchis.1

Jason's quest was initiated by his uncle Pelias, who had usurped the throne and promised to relinquish it if Jason could bring back the fleece. The fleece originated from a magical ram that saved Phrixus and Helle from their wicked stepmother. Phrixus sacrificed the ram in Colchis and hung its fleece in a grove guarded by a dragon.1

The poem details the Argonauts' journey, their encounters with various peoples and challenges, including the Symplegades (clashing rocks) and the sorceress Medea, who aided Jason in his quest. The Argonautica is the most complete version of this myth and was influential in later literature.12

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  1. Argonaut
  2. Apollonius of Rhodes

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