Jason's Tasks in Colchis
King Aeetes demands that Jason yoke fire-breathing bulls and defeat warriors grown from dragon's teeth before surrendering the Golden Fleece.
The Story
The Argonauts finally reached Colchis and Jason demanded the Golden Fleece.
King Aeetes had no intention of surrendering it easily.
He offered Jason a series of tasks that appeared impossible.
First Jason had to yoke powerful bulls whose breath burned like fire.
He then had to use the animals to plough a field.
Into the furrows he was ordered to sow dragon's teeth.
From the earth sprang armed warriors.
Jason could not have survived these trials unaided.
Medea, daughter of Aeetes, had fallen in love with him.
She possessed knowledge of powerful herbs and magic.
Medea gave Jason a preparation that protected him against the bulls' fire.
Jason successfully yoked the animals and ploughed the field.
When the armed earth-born warriors appeared, he threw a stone among them.
Unable to identify who had attacked them, the warriors turned upon one another.
Jason survived the final attack.
He had completed the tasks imposed by Aeetes.
But the king still did not intend to surrender the Golden Fleece willingly.
Jason and Medea would now have to take it and flee.
Key Figures
Why It Matters
Jason's trials demonstrate that obtaining the Golden Fleece depends as much upon Medea's knowledge and intervention as upon Jason's heroism.
Traditions & Variations
Ancient accounts vary in details of Medea's magical protection and Jason's battle with the earth-born warriors.