The Death of Pelias
Medea turns her knowledge of magic against Pelias and persuades his daughters to take part in their own father's destruction.
The Story
Jason returned from the quest for the Golden Fleece with Medea.
Pelias, whose actions had helped send Jason on the dangerous expedition, still stood at the centre of the struggle for power in Iolcus.
Medea devised a terrible revenge.
She demonstrated what appeared to be the power of rejuvenation.
In a famous version of the story, she cut up an old ram, placed its pieces into a cauldron and used her magic so that a young animal emerged.
The daughters of Pelias were convinced that the same process could restore their ageing father.
Medea encouraged them to perform the procedure themselves.
They killed and dismembered Pelias.
But Medea did not restore him.
Pelias remained dead.
The daughters who believed they were helping their father had instead become the instruments of his murder.
The episode reinforced Medea's reputation as one of the most dangerous practitioners of magic in Greek mythology and brought the conflict between Jason and Pelias to a brutal conclusion.
Key Figures
Why It Matters
Pelias' death completes the conflict that launched the voyage of the Argonauts and develops Medea's role beyond the Golden Fleece expedition.
Traditions & Variations
Ancient accounts differ over the precise circumstances of Pelias' death and the responsibility assigned to Medea, Jason and Pelias' daughters.