JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS(BEN BROWN) JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS

A KINGDOM OVERTHROWN

That night was one of the darkest in the land of Thessaly, if not the darkest.
Three dozen soldiers in black armour on horseback, charged into the city of Iolcus and made for the palace. Leading those soldiers, was Pelias and his fifteen-year-old son, Acastus.

When the guards standing outside courtyard gates saw the danger coming, they went inside the courtyard, bolted the gates and entered the palace.

Meanwhile, King Aeson, who happened to be Pelias’ brother, was sitting on the throne, in the company of his wife, Queen Medea, his ten-year-old son, Jason, Heracles and eighteen-year-old Atalanta, who happened to be the daughter of Heracles.

The latter, was a giant of a man – standing eight-foot-tall with bulging muscles, huge limbs and a large bald head. He held in one of his enormous hands, a great club.

Suddenly, the two guards burst into the throne room to warn Aeson of the approaching enemy.

The King ordered them to round up all the other palace soldiers.

He then ordered Heracles and Atalanta to take Jason from the palace and raise him to adulthood, far away from Iolcus.

Jason went with Heracles and Atalanta through a side door, leaving Aeson and Medea to face Pelias and his army.

When the advancing warriors reached the palace, they broke the courtyard gates open with a battering-ram.

Then the battle began. Swords against swords, shields against shields.

Unfortunately, all the palace soldiers were killed, whereas Pelias lost only three soldiers.

Now there was no one and nothing standing in the way of Pelias.

He strode into the palace, bold as brass, followed by Acastus and his surviving soldiers.

When he burst into the throne room, he found Aeson all alone with Medea.
By then, Aeson knew that it was all over, as did Medea. No soldiers were there to protect them.

Pelias marched forwards swiftly and demanded that his brother hand over the throne and crown, at sword point.

So Aeson had no choice, but to hand over the Kingdom of Thessaly to Pelias.

The moment Pelias was on the throne, he gave orders to have Aeson and Medea imprisoned for the rest of their lives.

Having them killed, was out of the question. It was forbidden, that a single drop of blood be shed in the Royal House of Thessaly.

With those two out of the way and locked up, there was no one and nothing to prevent Pelias from ruling Thessaly and Acastus after him.

Well, so he thought.

JASON RETURNS

Ten long years had passed since Pelias had taken the Kingdom of Thessaly.

In those ten years, the land, which used to be peaceful, had been bled dry and turned into a place of suffering.

The former King, Aeson and his wife Medea, had to languish day and night, in a deep cell, surviving off gruel and water, while his brother reigned terror over the land.

Acastus was just as bad. He never protested and was set dead against anyone who tried to stand up to his father, in any way.

However, as bad as things were, a ray of hope still shone and that was Jason – the rightful Heir to the Kingdom.

Over the last ten years, Jason had been raised to adulthood, far away in the mountains by Heracles and Atalanta.

There he had learned how to use the sword, the spear and the bow and arrow. Now he was a fine hunter and a handsome young man of twenty.

Heracles and Atalanta had told him a great many things of the known world. Other lands they had been to, Kings, Queens, Princes, Princesses, the sea, voyages they had been on, treasures they had found.

From time to time, they got wind of what Pelias was up to from passers-by and forwarded it onto a furious Jason.

Furthermore, Jason and Atalanta drew very close to one another, until they fell in love.

Nothing had ever pleased Heracles more.

One day however, Jason left for Iolcus. But he didn’t go alone. Heracles and Atalanta – both of whom had sworn to protect him, went too.

Two weeks it took, to cover a distance of over two hundred miles, before the three of them reached Iolcus.

Meanwhile, Pelias and Acastus were in the throne room entertaining guests. They were totally unaware of the approaching bomb-shell.

At long last, Jason, Heracles and Atalanta reached the palace.

The mighty bulk of Heracles holding his enormous club, sent a wave of panic through the guards outside the courtyard gates. They went hastily inside the palace to tell Pelias. The King ordered them to round up more men.

A moment later the guards appeared outside the courtyard, accompanied by twenty other men. But it was no good.

Heracles raised his club and swung it about wildly at the men, who scattered well away from the palace in fear.

Jason went through the gates, across the courtyard and into the palace, followed by Heracles and Atalanta.

When the three of them finally entered the throne room, Pelias and Acastus became unsettled, as did his guests. The King ordered the guests to leave, which they did hastily.

Heracles knew all too well, that no violence was allowed towards any member of the Royal member of the Thessalian Household. So he could do nothing.

When Jason introduced himself, a wave of shock came over Pelias and Acastus. Neither of them had ever once suspected the existence of a hidden Heir, but how very wrong they had been. There he was, Jason – the Heir of Aeson and Medea.

Fortunately, the King wasn’t able to lay a finger on Jason, due to the Royal laws.

Jason demanded that Pelias release his parents at once.

Pelias wanted to refuse, for he certainly did not want to hand the Kingdom back to Aeson and Medea. No way was he going to allow his nephew to stand in Acastus’ place. But he didn’t dare protest in front of Heracles.

So the King decided to play a very cunning and deceitful game. He told Jason that he would release his parents, only if he went to Colchis to get the Golden Fleece.

THE ARGO AND THE ARGONAUTS

The Golden Fleece is something, which Jason knew of. Heracles and Atalanta had told him that it once belonged to the last of the golden sheep, which had inhabited the far-off land of Colchis.

He had also been told that the Fleece was in the possession of a King called Aeetes – the ruler of Colchis and that every other King in the known world, including Pelias, craved the Fleece.

As for Pelias, he had made a very cunning and deceitful move to get his nephew out of the way.

Fortunately, Jason was not fooled and neither were Heracles and Atalanta.

However, Jason didn’t want to appear unconvinced. Therefore, he decided to go on the quest for the Golden Fleece.

Heracles oversaw the building of the ship, which he named (ARGO).

A fine ship the Argo turned out to be. She had forty large oars, a crow’s nest, a white sail with a gold lion painted on it, a lion-shaped figurehead and (ARGO) painted on either side.

Jason was most impressed. He had a fine ship and now, he needed a worthy crew.

Finding a crew was easy, because there were plenty of sea-farers about in Iolcus, many of whom met Jason’s needs. Those that he chose, were more than willing to go. Heracles and Atalanta joined too.

The names of the ARGO members, are as follows.

Jason Lynceus Zetes Melanion
Heracles Mopsus Meleager Telamon
Atalanta Euphemus Orpheus Admetus
Pollux Idmon Peleus Ancaeus
Castor Laertes Calais Amphion
Areius Capheus Eurytus Iphiclus
Asterius Hylas Eurydamus Iphitos
Armenius Coronus Euryalas Nestor
Butes Deucalion Eurymedon Oileus
Azorus Argus Iolaus Peneleos
Phalerus Talaus Staphylus Idas
Argos

The crew members were to be known as the Argonauts.

Hylas, it turned out, had always wanted to rule a Kingdom, in peace.

All Jason needed now was food, water, arms and other needs for the voyage.

At Heracles’ instigation, Pelias had his servants provide everything. The King did not dare refuse when taking orders from Heracles, whom he feared, as did Acastus and all the soldiers.

After the last few preparations were made in Iolcus, Jason and his crew got on board the Argo and took their places.

Hylas climbed up into the crow’s nest with a golden cutlass, Castor readied himself to beat the drums, Heracles stood at the helm, ready to steer and the oarsmen sat down, ready to row away.

As for Jason and Atalanta, they stood by Heracles.

On Jason’s commands, Heracles began to steer the Argo, Castor started beating the drums and the oarsmen rowed away.

At first, the pace was slow, but it gradually increased until the rowers fell into rhythm.

Many people were standing on the beach, staring at the Argo as she headed towards a headland a mile away.

Among them, were Pelias and Acastus.

The King was so deluded in his belief that he had deceived Jason. He was absolutely convinced, that he would never see his nephew again.

KING CYZICUS

Jason and the Argonauts had covered some distance in the first week of the voyage.

At times, they had stopped off along the coast to eat, drink and sleep.

The weather and sea conditions hadn’t been too bad. Just a strong wind, slightly choppy waves and a few light spells of rain.

Most nights, the sky was clear and full of Heavenly bodies.

There was dancing, singing, music, story-telling and to add to it all, Heracles was proving to be a perfect navigator.

Then one day, the voyagers came to an island, where there lived a peaceful King, called Cyzicus. The King’s wife and Queen was called Megara and his daughter, Iona.

Cyzicus was most welcoming. He ordered some of his men to watch over the Argo, while Jason and the Argonauts had a magnificent feast. He even allowed them to stay overnight in the palace.

Jason explained the purpose of the voyage.

The following day, Cyzicus provided more food and water for the sea-farers and some Royal gifts. In return, Jason gave the King a sword of silver and a gold shield.

Then the voyagers left.

Over the next day after leaving the island things went well, but on the second a powerful story sprang up. Hylas was almost thrown from the crow’s nest, the rowers lost control of the oars, Jason was nearly thrown over-board and Heracles lost control of the steering. The Argo was sent way off course.

When the storm subsided, the Argo was blown to the shore of some unknown land close by.

That was most unfortunate for the sailors, who were met by four dozen unfriendly soldiers and at night.

A small battle took place – resulting in all the unknown soldiers being killed.
Fortunately, there were no severe casualties among Jason and his crew.

The following morning, a shocking discovery was made.

The unknown warriors happened to be none other than King Cyzicus and his soldiers.

What had happened was this.

When the storm sprang up, the Argo was blown around and sent backwards, to the other side of the island, where King Cyzicus lived.

The King spotted the vessel, but he didn’t recognize it, because it was night. Mistaking it for a pirate ship, the King went with his soldiers, to the shore.

Jason and the Argonauts, were unaware of who the warriors were, because they were all wearing helmets.

As soon as the discovery was made, the voyagers went straight to the palace.
Jason explained the situation to Queen Megara and Iona - both of whom were most forgiving.

The Queen told Jason that he wasn’t to know, who he and his crew had been fighting.

The King was given a decent burial and a games competition, involving archery, boxing, wrestling, sword fighting, javelin throwing, discus throwing and running, was held in his honour.

After that, Jason and the Argonauts left the island, for the second time.

KING AMYCUS

The affair involving the fate of King Cyzicus had been a devastating blow to the voyage.

However, Jason knew that there would be more to come, as did the Argonauts – especially Heracles.

After travelling some way, the sailors reached another island, ruled by a King, called Amycus.

Unlike Cyzicus, King Amycus was far from friendly, let alone hospitable.

He went with fifty soldiers to the shore, in order to forbid the sea-farers to land. But when he set eyes on Heracles, he became wary and changed his mind.

Jason told Amycus where he and the Argonauts were heading, the purpose of the voyage and that all they needed was food and water.

King Amycus agreed, on condition that the second strongest Argonaut face him in a boxing dual. Too afraid he was to take on Heracles.

Jason agreed.

Castor was the second strongest of the Argonauts and the second tallest – standing at six feet. Amycus on the other-hand stood up to two metres and looked even stronger.

To start off with, the King swung some punches, but missed every time. Castor jabbed a few times on the offensive.

Amycus stumbled slightly, then aimed a huge punch, missing by far. He then tried to jab at Castor a few times, but still without success.

The King tried again and again and again, but it was no good. His opponent was too quick.

At one point his eyes met Heracles, who was glaring angrily at him.

That gave Castor the opportunity. He dealt Amycus a heavy blow to the left side of the jaw, then to the right.

The King tried to react, but Castor broke his nose, before dealing him a deadly blow to the temple.

Castor stood triumphant, as his opponent fell to the ground and lay lifeless.

Jason and the other Argonauts cheered, but all those who had been on the King’s side were outraged.

The latter drew their weapons against the sea-farers, in order to avenge the death of their leader. That did little good however, because Heracles raised his club and swung it about wildly.

The avengers of Amycus fled away as far as possible in terror.

Jason and the Argonauts took as much food and water as they needed and left the island unharmed.

THE EXILED ONE

Some distance had been covered since Jason and the Argonauts had visited the island ruled by the one-time King Amycus.

Within that distance, they had ended up in two storms – neither of which was powerful enough to throw the Argo off course.

The sea-farers had now reached a channel, which Heracles said, led to another sea.

Fortunately, the channel was calm and wide enough for the Argo. So with great ease, the voyagers made their way through the channel and into the sea beyond.

After that, they covered a fair distance more, until they reached another island.

Heracles had explained that the island was inhabited by an over-thrown King, cast into exile, called Phineus.

When the voyagers set foot on the shore, an elderly man with a staff, dressed in old torn clothes and worn-out footwear, appeared to them.

The man was none other than Phineus.

Phineus had a very interesting, yet disastrous story to tell.

This is how it went.

Phineus had at one time been a fair King, who ruled a far-off Kingdom. Only he felt that the people weren’t treating him fairly in return. So he demanded more respect and turned to very selfish ways of greed and violence. Ways, which made his leadership crumble.

It was then that the people began to turn against Phineus – even the other members of the palace, which had once been his.

Phineus was over-thrown – leaving his son, Proteus to rule in his place. Proteus had his father banished from the Kingdom and brought to the island, on which he had been living in exile ever since.

However, things hadn’t always been doom and gloom for Phineus. He told the voyagers that he lived in a sheltered cave and had plenty of water sources and food to survive off – wild fruits especially.

He also told them that they were welcome to take all they needed, but without giving him anything in return.

So it was.

Jason and the Argonauts exchanged farewells with Phineus. They then took what food and water they needed and left the island.

QUEEN HYPSIPYLE

Jason and the Argonauts had covered many miles since leaving the island of the exiled Phineus.

After travelling those many miles, they reached another island. From what Heracles had said, the islanders were very friendly.

Sure enough, when the sea-farers reached the island, a large group of unarmed women came down to the shore to greet them.

The islanders, who were most welcoming, led the visitors to their settlement, which was over a mile from the coast.

For some bizarre reason, there were no men between the age of eighteen and sixty.

All the males were boys and elderly men. The females on the other hand, were of all ages.

Jason and the Argonauts were led straight to the palace, where they received a warm welcome from the Queen. The Queen, who was called Hypsipyle, held a huge feast in their honour.

While dining, Jason spoke of the voyage and Hypsipyle revealed what became of the younger men.

It so happened, that unlike the rest of the islanders, the younger men became adventurous and wanted to see what lay over the horizon. They vowed to return, but they never did, for reasons unknown. The rest of the islanders waited in vain for years.

It was a sad story for Jason and his crew to hear. Heracles and Atalanta were saddened the most, for this had happened since they first visited the island.

Queen Hypsipyle welcomed Jason and the Argonauts to stay on the island for three or four weeks, which they did.

Before leaving, the sea-farers were provided with food and water supplies. Jason offered Hypsipyle some gifts in return, but she refused.

A visit from Jason and the Argonauts, was pleasing enough.

THE LAND OF COLCHIS

The island ruled by Queen Hypsipyle was now far behind Jason and the Argonauts, who at long last, reached the land of Colchis.

A remarkable feat it had been to travel, all that way from Thessaly to Colchis. But it was far from over.

The voyagers had to get the Golden Fleece, then return all the way back to Thessaly.

Heracles had told Jason, that the Fleece was in the possession of a ruthless King, called Aeetes, who ruled Colchis. Also that the King lived in an inland city, called Aea, situated on the side of a river.

Fortunately, Heracles had met Aeetes, so he knew the location of Aea.

When the sailors were within two miles from the coast, they rounded a headland, where on the other side, there was a river mouth.

They then began to make their way up the river – passing other sailing vessels on the way.

The sea-farers in the other vessels, many of which were galleys, stared in curiosity and admiration at the Argo. More people looked on from the banks.

Then finally, a settlement came into view.

The settlement was larger than Iolcus – covering an area of two to three square kilometres. Bang in the centre, there dominated a mighty building, which Jason took to be the palace. By the water’s edge, there was a long row of ships.

Heracles told the other sailors, that the settlement was Aea and also that the building in the centre, was the palace of Aeetes.

So Jason and the Argonauts covered the last distance and moored the Argo.
Their objective now, was to get the Golden Fleece.

KING AEETES

Jason and the Argonauts had travelled many, many miles from Iolcus to Colchis and over a period of roughly three months.

Now they had reached Aea and were climbing off the Argo all armed, to set foot on the shore on the busy riverside.

Many people stood, or sat around watching. Most were wary that an attack may be coming – especially when they laid eyes on Heracles.

When all were off board, the sailors made for the palace with no hesitation.
People stared open-mouthed, or drew away in fear as they marched through the streets. All were fearful of Heracles, who led them.

Jason knew that getting hold of the Golden Fleece wasn’t going to be easy.

However, Heracles had come up with a plan. He was going to try and gain some help on the quiet, from inside the palace. What was more, he knew exactly where the Fleece was. So hopefully, with a little help, he and Atalanta were going to try and get the Fleece, that very night.

When they reached the palace, the sailors found two dozen armed guards outside the gates.

That of course, is what had been expected. But when the guards saw the huge mass of Heracles – club in hand, they became wary and admitted the visitors instantly, without questioning why they had come to Colchis.

Meanwhile, King Aeetes was seated on a golden throne in the throne room, watching a group of elegant dancers, covered in gold paint. There were many other spectators too, including some soldiers and a couple of servants – one on either side of the throne.

The throne room was larger than the one in Iolcus. It had two rows of pillars, a pair of side doors, burning braziers, frescoes painted on the walls and a pair of enormous oaken front doors.

The entertainment came to an immediate halt, when Heracles thrust open the doors and entered with the other sailors behind him. Everyone but Aeetes fled through the side doors.

The King was speechless, for he had never expected to set eyes on Heracles again. He then became suspicious, to the point of uneasiness.

However, Heracles put Aeetes’ mind at rest – in a deceitful way. He told the King that he was travelling with a group of adventurers, all across the known world, to all the Kingdoms. He also said that going armed was vital, should any trouble arise.

Fortunately, Aeetes didn’t see through the deception and he welcomed everyone at last.

SEIZING THE FLEECE

That night, Jason and the Argonauts were given a big feast in their honour. They all lounged around in the throne room, talking with the natives and watching the dancers.

Heracles forcefully managed to gain the confidence of a palace servant, who went round giving the guards after-midnight drinks. Fearing Heracles, the servant swore to help him and Atalanta by drugging the guards.

So when the feasting and dancing was over, everyone but Jason and the Argonauts left the throne room.

No way did the King suspect what was about to happen.

After a short while, the servant returned to the throne room to announce that he had drugged the guards.

The moment had finally arrived.

Heracles and Atalanta went through one of the side doors, then through other areas of the ground floor. Along the way, they passed several drugged guards laying sprawled out. Finally they went out of the palace through a back doorway.

The two guards outside the door, lay flat out drugged.

Heracles and Atalanta then made their way silently through an area of Moon-lit gardens within the grounds, round the back of the palace.

Right in the centre of the gardens, there was a tree with a large fleece hanging in its branches.

Heracles knew it to be the Golden Fleece, for he had seen it before.

The thing was, it was too high for him to reach, but not for Atalanta.

Heracles lifted his daughter up carefully, so that she could get the Fleece.

Atalanta did so with great success.

She then headed back to the throne room with her father.

The sight of the Fleece inspired the other sailors.

The following morning, Aeetes looked out of his bedroom window, which faced the garden. He saw to his horror, that the Golden Fleece was gone.

The King stormed out of the palace – passing the drugged guards, whom were
coming to. The two guards by the back door were also coming round.

When they were questioned, the guards swore that they remembered nothing of what had happened before the Fleece had been stolen.

Suspecting slightly that Jason and the Argonauts were behind it, he stormed to the throne room, to question them – if they were still there.

The sailors were there, all lounging about and talking.

When Aeetes questioned them, they denied having anything to do with the Fleece being stolen. Heracles said that it may have been stolen by one of the palace residents.

Fortunately, the King did not see through the deceit. Now doubting that his guests had anything to do with it, he allowed them to leave the palace.

He even gave orders to have food and water supplies stored on board the Argo.

A great victory had been achieved by Jason and the Argonauts. They had travelled to Colchis and seized the Golden Fleece right from under Aeetes’ nose.

However, the adventure was not over yet, for they had to sail all the way back to Iolcus and things weren’t going to turn out as expected.

As the voyagers were starting to row away from Aea, Jason held up the Golden Fleece.

A big mistake.

Several people from the water front spotted him.

They all recognized the Fleece.

AWAY FROM COLCHIS

Jason and the Argonauts were away from Aea. They had travelled back down the river and were heading out to sea. The return journey to Thessaly lay ahead now.

In Aea, it was a totally different story.

Aeetes was outraged when he learned the truth about what had happened during the night. He had the servant, whom had helped Heracles and Atalanta, thrashed and banished from Colchis.

He then left Aea with a fleet of twelve fifty-oared war galleys, to pursue Jason and the Argonauts. Fast galleys they were too – faster than the Argo in fact.

Meanwhile, Jason and his crew were making good headway with a fair wind. The shores of Colchis were behind and there was open sea in all directions.

However, the voyagers had no idea that Aeetes knew they had the Fleece and was after them fast with his twelve war ships.

It was only when Hylas spotted the approaching galleys from the crow’s nest, that the sailors became aware that Aeetes knew the truth.

The King was standing at the front of the nearest galley – his eyes fixed on the Argo.

The oarsmen waited for Jason to order them to row faster, but he didn’t. Instead, he ordered them to stop rowing.

All of the Argonauts, including Heracles and Atalanta, thought Jason had lost his senses. The thing was, he hadn’t.

Jason was about to make a very shocking move.

He watched fearlessly, as the fleet of galleys continued forwards to meet the Argo.

Not only were the Argonauts baffled, but Aeetes and his warriors were too.

When the fleet reached the Argo, the King told Jason that he had been seen by several people, holding the Fleece up while leaving Aea. He then told them that he knew of what had happened during the night and demanded that the Fleece be handed back to him.

It was then that Jason made his move.

The captain told Aeetes that he didn’t want the Fleece and that no living mortal had the right to own it. He also said that it should never have been stolen from the last of the golden sheep of Colchis, to whom it had truly belonged.

He then seized the Fleece, tied it to a harpoon and hurled it overboard, into the depths of the deep sea.

The Argonauts were stunned by what had just happened, as was Aeetes and his warriors.

The King was too shocked to order his warriors to attack. He turned his fleet around and headed back towards Colchis.

Without the Fleece, there was nothing for him to fight for.

RETURN TO THESSALY

Jason’s move to cast the Fleece into the depths had dealt a mighty blow to the voyage and came as a mighty shock to the Argonauts.

Fortunately, his words and actions hadn’t brought any distrust or dislike towards him – quite the opposite.

It was thanks to the captain, that Aeetes and his fleet had turned round and headed back to Colchis. Now the voyagers had the chance, to hopefully make it back to Thessaly.

First of all, they revisited the island ruled by Queen Hypsipyle.

Again they were given a heart-warming welcome and a magnificent feast.

While dining, Jason recited everything that had happened after he and his crew had visited the island before.

Hypsipyle thought that Jason had done the right thing in casting the Fleece into the sea, as did the rest of the hosts.

The Queen invited the sailors to spend another few weeks on the island, which they did.

When the visit was over, Hypsipyle provided them with food and water.
Then it was on to the island of the exiled Phineus.

When they reached the island, Phineus came down to the shore again. Jason told the one-time King everything that had happened after the first visit to his island.

Phineus was taken aback, yet amazed when Jason spoke of what became of the Fleece.

After meeting the exiled one, the voyagers took on more food and water and journeyed on.

Miles further on, the channel leading to the first ocean came into view.

Unfortunately, getting through the channel, wasn’t going to be as easy as before.

When the sailors were within three miles of it, another storm sprung upon them. They had to wait a whole day and night in terrible weather, before going through the channel.

When the voyagers were finally back in the first sea, they headed for the island where Castor had defeated the ruthless King Amycus in the boxing dual.

Unlike the first time, they moved in on the other side of the island and at night, so as not to be detected by the islanders.

While there, they took on food and water, as fast as possible, before continuing unnoticed.

The final stop, was the island of the dead King Cyzicus. The sea-farers, were all haunted by the unfortunate disaster they had ended up in, when mistaking the King and his soldiers for enemy warriors.

They had decided, not to show themselves to the natives on the return journey, for it had been a most humiliating experience.

So they sailed in on the other side of the island at night – hoping that the natives wouldn’t see them and mistake them for pirates again. They then took on food and water fast, before moving on.

The final stretch of the journey didn’t go smoothly, because it was stormy for three days. Twice the Argo was blown off course by several miles.

In the end however, Heracles managed to steer the Argo back to Thessaly.

A KINGDOM RECLAIMED

The adventure was over.

After many, many miles of travelling, Jason and the Argonauts finally returned Thessaly.

All Jason had to do now, was overthrow King Pelias and force him to hand the Kingdom of Thessaly back to his parents.

People stared in amazement and wonder, as Jason and the Argonauts left the Argo, for the final time and headed through the streets of Iolcus towards the
palace.

When the guards outside the courtyard gates set eyes on the band of warriors, they became afraid – afraid because Heracles was in the lead.

The guards fled inside the palace to inform Pelias, who was with Acastus and a group of visitors in the throne room.

The King froze in disbelief at the news. He ordered the guards to round up every soldier in the palace, ready to fight. He then ordered his visitors to leave the palace, which they did without a moment’s hesitation.

When Jason and the Argonauts reached the palace, the courtyard gates burst open and all the King’s soldiers came out to meet them.

Then the battle began. Swords against swords, shields against shields. Heracles, who had only his club, fought easily.

One by one, the King’s soldiers fell. The presence of Heracles, opened them up to fear and weakness. That led to their downfall.

Now that the battle was over, there was no one and nothing to stop the band of warriors from entering the palace.

Pelias, on the other hand, was waiting to hear news, of what he hoped to be the downfall of Jason and his army. Acastus was too.

But the news never came.

Instead, Heracles appeared with Jason and the rest of the Argonauts behind him.
Pelias asked Jason why he didn’t have the Golden Fleece.

When the young Heir revealed what he had done with the Fleece, the King became furious.

Pelias told Jason and the Argonauts to leave the palace.

But Jason stood his ground and demanded that his uncle return the Kingdom of Thessaly to his parents.

The King wanted to refuse, but when Heracles raised his club, he thought better of it. To add to it, there were no soldiers to protect him.

He released Aeson and Medea and brought to the throne room.

Finally, Jason was reunited with his parents – both of whom had aged over the last ten years.

A wonderful outcome that turned out to be.

Pelias and Acastus were imprisoned in separate cells for the rest of their lives and the Kingdom of Thessaly was back in the hands of Aeson and Medea.

As for Jason, he wanted to live his own life now and it didn’t involve the position of Royalty. In other words, he didn’t want to be the Heir to the Kingdom of Thessaly.

What he truly wanted, was to go off with Heracles and Atalanta, to explore other areas of the known world, to visit other Kings and Queens, to go on other voyages, to discover more treasures and to continue living his love life with Atalanta.

Aeson and Medea were taken aback, but they didn’t hold it against Jason. After all, they too had a shared love life.

The only thing that concerned them, was the fact that there would be no Heir to the throne.

Fortunately, that problem was taken care of, because Jason handed his position over to Hylas. He told his parents that Hylas had always wanted to be a peaceful ruler.

So that’s how it was.

Hylas was welcomed like a Son into the Royal Household of Thessaly and appointed Heir to the Kingdom.

As for Jason, he went off with Heracles and Atalanta.

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