Hello Readers!

We're at the end of week 1 of our reading of The Argonautica. I don't know about you, but I enjoyed being introduced to the crew before the adventure began. It definitely makes it easier for me to understand the motives and reactions of the crew so far.

Questions are in the comments.

Summary:

Book 1

The tale begins with a recollection of the prophecy given to King Pelias that a hateful fate awaited him and his destruction would be caused by a man wearing one sandal. When young Jason arrives for a feast at King Pelias's palace wearing only one sandal (having lost the other in a stream), the King devises the impossible question for Jason to bring the Golden Fleece back from King Aietes of Colchis.

Jason accepts the quest and a group of more than 50 heroes gathers to accompany him, including Herakles and Orpheus. They will all sail on the Argo, a ship built under Athena's orders. Initially, the group elects Herakles their leader, but he declines and passes the honor back to Jason. Before they leave, Jason is nervous and is mocked by Idas for being a coward. The prophet Idmon calls Idas out for his mockery, and Orpheus is able to soothe the tensions before they can escalate by playing his lyre.

The heroes journey east. Their first stop is at Lemnos, which is populated by women who murdered all the men. The crew, enjoying the attention they're getting from all the women, are reluctant to leave. Herakles reprimands them and they move on with their journey. They stop next at the island of Doliones and are welcomed with great hospitality. After they leave, a nighttime storm blows the Argonauts back to the island, but neither the Doliones or Argonauts recognize each other in the dark. They battle, and in the morning, mourn their dead together.

When they make it to Kios, they're again welcomed warmly. Herakles and Polyphemos are accidentally left behind when they leave Kios. Telamon accuses Jason of leaving Herakles on purpose. The sea-god Glaukos rises out of the ocean to tell them all that Herakles has another fate to fulfill - The labours of Eurystheus. The book ends with Telamon and Jason making amends, and the crew of the Argo rowing towards a new coastline.