The Argonauts and the Symplegades
Following Phineus' advice, the Argonauts attempt to pass through the deadly Clashing Rocks known as the Symplegades.
The Story
The route to Colchis brought the Argonauts to one of the most dangerous obstacles of their voyage.
Ahead stood the Symplegades, the Clashing Rocks.
The enormous rocks repeatedly crashed together, destroying anything caught between them.
Phineus had warned the Argonauts about the danger.
He advised them to release a bird before attempting the passage themselves.
The Argonauts sent a dove between the rocks.
The Symplegades crashed together.
The bird escaped, although the closing rocks caught the end of its tail.
The rocks then separated again.
Jason ordered the crew to row.
The Argo rushed toward the opening.
The rocks began to close.
The Argonauts pulled at their oars while divine assistance helped carry the ship through.
The Argo escaped, though the rocks caught part of the stern.
Having failed to destroy the ship, the Symplegades ceased their continual movement in an important version of the story.
The route toward the Black Sea was now open.
The Argonauts continued toward Colchis.
Key Figures
Why It Matters
The passage of the Symplegades is one of the defining adventures of the outward voyage and marks the Argonauts' successful entry into the waters leading toward Colchis.
Traditions & Variations
Accounts vary over the precise divine assistance given to the Argo and over whether the rocks became permanently fixed after the passage.