Classical Wisdom Litterae - April 2019

S o far Jason has gathered his infamous gang, which unabashedly enjoyed the man-free island of Lemnos and accidentally killed the kind king of B Y A N YA L E ON A R D

Cyzicus and many of his trusted men.

One might not be cheering these fellows at the moment, but nevertheless, they continue on their crusade. This time the Argonauts land in Thrace, at the court of Phineus of Salmydessus. Due to his keen ability of prophecy and his propensity to reveal too much, the poor King Phineus had incurred the disfavor of Zeus. The god of the gods responded by blinding the foreseeing royal and placing him on an island in front of a buffet of food. But with his twisted ways, Zeus also sent Harpies, or mythological winged spirits, to steal Phineus’ food everyday. When Jason chanced on the emaciated king, he took pity on him and killed the Harpies. As thanks for this good deed, Phineus revealed the next set of clues for Jason: the location of Colchis, where Jason would find the elusive golden fleece, as well as how to pass the Symplegades, or The Clashing Rocks. This passage was surrounded by huge cliffs which would crash together randomly, making the journey incredibly dangerous, if not impossible. However, it was the only way to get to Colchis. Following Phineus’ advice, Jason released a dove upon arrival. He was informed that if the dove makes it, they should row with all their might.

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