Jason and the Golden Fleece – Apollonius of Rhodes 1993

 “Taking my start from you, Phoibos, I shall recall the glorious deeds of men of long ago who propelled the well-benched Argo through the mouth of the Pontos and between the Dark Rocks to gain the golden fleece.” (Apollonius of Rhodes, 1993, p.3).

The world is flexible  and ambguous and the action of the Argos almost shapes it:

Eros: “he strung his bow, and selected from his quiver a new arrow destined to bring much grief.” (Apollonius of Rhodes, 1993, p.72). “So she spoke, and as the young girl wept, deadly love crept over Jason also, and he replied as follows.” (Apollonius of Rhodes, 1993, p.91).

„Like a feathered arrow it shot through the air, an das the Rocks clashed violently together they broke off the tip oft he stern-ornament. Athena leapt up to Olympos, after the safe escape of the crew, but the Rocks were firmly locked together and rooted in one spot forever, for it was fated by the blessed gods that this would happen whenever any man had survived the voyage through them.” (Apollonius of Rhodes, 1993, p.50).

And as they do, the humans involved are not straightforward superheroes.

They are doubtful and in despair:  “Jason sat in silence where he was, his eyes fixed on the ground before his feet, unable to speak, at a loss as to how to deal with his wretched situation. For a long time he turned over and over what he should do: it was impossible to accept with confidence, as the challenge seemed overwhelming. At last he replied to the king.

‘Aietes, you have every right to place this hard constraint upon me. Therefore I shall risk the challenge, terrible though it is, even if I am fated to die; for there is nothing worse for men, than the cruel necessity which forces me to come here at the behest of a king.’

This he spoke, distraught at the helplessness of his position.” (Apollonius of Rhodes, 1993, p.72).

„‘Tiphys, why do you offer me these consolations in my grief? I have erred; my wretched folly offers no remedy. (…) Ever since you first assembled for my sake, I have endured  ceaseless round of painful nights and days, for I must give thought to every detail. You can speak lightly, as your worries are only for yourself.” (Apollonius of Rhodes, 1993, p.50).

“They covered their heads with their cloaks and lay all night long and into the morning, with no nourishment at all, waiting for a most pitiful death.” (Apollonius of Rhodes, 1993, p.129).

They even have internal dialogue:

 “’How the stranger has set my heart fluttering! Let him woo an Achaian girl far off among his own people: maidenhood and my parents’ home should be my concern! All the same, however, I shall bnish shame from my heart and, no longer remaining apart, I shall test my sister to see whether she will beg me to offer help in the contest, panicked as she is for her sons.’ (…) For a long time she remained there in the ante-chmber: shame would not allow her to go further. Then she turned around and went back in again: her feet carried her this way and that, all to not purpose.” (Apollonius of Rhodes, 1993, p.81)

And there are plenty of irresistible metaphors and pictures in the language:

 “As for myself, I suppose that my clothes will be made of earth within the coming year, even if up until now the Keres have shuddered at the sight of me.” (Apollonius of Rhodes, 1993, p.19).

“his breast-bone shattered on the spear and he rolled over in the sand to meet his fated end. This mortals may never escape, and all around us is spread a great net of doom.” (Apollonius of Rhodes, 1993, p.27).

“Phineus dined with them – greedily, satisfying his desire as we do in dreams.” (Apollonius of Rhodes, 1993, p.43).

“The pair then faced each other, silent, unable to speak, like oaks or tall firs, which at first, when there is no wind stand quiet and firmly rooted on the mountains, but afterwards stir in the wind and rustle together ceaselessly. Just so were this pair destined to have much to say under the inspiration of Love’s breezes. The son of Aison realized that some divinely affliction was upon her, and with soft words he addressed her.” (Apollonius of Rhodes, 1993, p.88).

“There they found Kirke purifying her head in the flowing salt waters because she had been much disturbed by dreams during that night.” (Apollonius of Rhodes, 1993, p.114).

“In her breast her aching spirit whirled like a spindle.” (Apollonius of Rhodes, 1993, p.123).

“They could see no source of fresh water, no path, no herdsmen’s yard far off in the distance; everything was in the grip of perfect calm.” (Apollonius of Rhodes, 1993, p.128).