Jason Character Analysis in Metamorphoses

Jason is the leader of the Argonauts—a Greek army. He takes his army to a kingdom on a mission to capture a golden ram. Jason participates in many dangerous tasks in order to win the ram as a prize. He is helped by Medea—the daughter of the kingdom’s king—who gives him magical herbs to lull the fiery bulls that he must combat. Jason wins the match with the herbs, takes the golden ram, and marries Medea.

Jason Character Timeline in Metamorphoses

The timeline below shows where the character Jason appears in Metamorphoses. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

The Argonauts—a Greek army captained by Jason—leave Greece and make their way to King Aeetes’s palace. They plan to capture the Golden... (full context)

Meanwhile, Aeetes’s daughter Medea falls in love with Jason. She is unable to fight against her desire for him, and she believes that some... (full context)

Medea wants to help Jason win the games, but she fears that he’ll leave her afterwards and marry someone else.... (full context)

...resolving to resist her passion, Medea goes to an altar to pray and runs into Jason. Jason looks more handsome than ever, and Medea’s desire is instantly rekindled. Jason grips Medea’s... (full context)

...games. The bulls come forward, bellowing and breathing fire. The Argonauts freeze with fear, but Jason approaches the bulls and strokes their backs, protected from their fire by the magic herbs.... (full context)

The new army points their spears at Jason. Medea shakes with fear, worried that the herbs she gave Jason won’t be strong enough... (full context)

...Greece, the parents bring gifts to the gods to thank them for their sons’ return. Jason’s father Aeson, however, is too old to participate. Jason entreats Medea to take a few... (full context)

...clouds, and raise spirits from their graves. She thanks them particularly for helping her save Jason. She then asks them to help her add years to Jason’s father’s life. The gods... (full context)

After reviving Aeson, Medea does something wicked. She pretends that she and Jason are separated and goes to the house of King Pelias, who is very old. His... (full context)

When Medea arrives home, she kills all her children with her sword. Avoiding Jason’s rage, she flies away again in her chariot. She flies to Athens where King Aegeus... (full context)