Chapter Seven – Myth & The Anti-Hero
Andy Gurevich
The story of Jason and the Argonauts is among the most popular of hero myths. It has adventure, danger, the intervention of the gods, the great prize—the fabled Golden Fleece. But, as you will see as you read Jason and the Argonauts and Medea, there is a darker side to this hero. This version, written in the 3rd century BC by Apollonius, is the earliest, most complete version of the myth. It is edited in our book. The original is a much longer story.
What is interesting here is to see how Jason changes throughout the story. Change is a characteristic of the hero, but how he or she changes is important as well. Jason’s change is caused by a flaw in his character, what the Greeks referred to as hubris—pride. Pay attention as well to Medea. The author, Apollonius, was quite sophisticated in her character development and insight into her thought processes.
We also get a good insight into the relationship between the gods and Jason and Medea. One thing to think about as you read this is, do Jason and Medea really have a choice in what happens?
As you read, you will notice the repetition of phrases that can be annoying to modern readers. The repetition comes from the oral tradition. The phrases are like aids to the oral storyteller, kind of like the refrain of a song. Try not to let them distract you.
An anti-hero is a protagonist who lacks the characteristics we typically associate with a hero—nobility of mind and spirit, humility, compassion, things like that. Modern audiences don’t expect our heroes to be perfect; that would make them pretty predictable and boring. But there should be limits on how imperfect a hero can be before he turns into a villain. Jason perhaps walks the line. You decide.
I have given you a brief chapter by chapter overview. I ask a lot of questions in the sections. I do not expect you to answer them. They are just things to look for as you read, and maybe think about as you answer the questions.
Chapter 1
Jason does start out with good intentions. He is to avenge the theft of the kingdom of Iolcus from his father, Aeson. The bad guy is his uncle, Pelias. Jason seems a little short-sighted early on. He seems to set himself up to find the Golden Fleece, a dangerous and long trip to a faraway kingdom whose ruler has a very scary reputation. In fact, Pelias is convinced that Jason will never return. Jason sets off with the Argonauts, one of whom was Pelias’s only son.
It is important to note the role that Hera plays in the story. What are her reasons for getting so involved? What is her plan? How does this affect the way you evaluate the actions of Jason and Medea?
Chapter 2
There are a lot of messages and hidden warnings for Jason from Phineus. Do you feel he helps Jason? What is the cause of Phineus’s fate? What lessons does his life have for people? In this chapter we are introduced to Medea. How is she presented? What’s your first impression of her? How is Hera using her?
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