Jason
Jason EuropeLegendary Greek hero and leader of the Argonauts, the stalwarts who sailed to Colchis in the ship Argo to seize the Golden Fleece. Jason crossed a sea of marvels, accomplished difficult tasks, circumvented the guardian dragon, and returned with the fleece and the power to topple a usurper. Part of this success was due to the magic of a Colchian princess, Medea, whom Jason made his wife, with assistance from the goddess Athena. Medea seems to have been associated with dismemberment. When the Argo hastened away with its prize, she suggested that they cut up her brother Apsyrtus and throw the bits overboard in order to slow down the swift pursuit of their father, King Aietes. This the Argonauts did, forcing the Colchians to gather up the remains for a decent burial. When the heroes returned to Greece, Medea persuaded the daughters of King Pelias of Iolcus to cut their father to pieces and boil him, so as to restore him to youth. This...
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