Bulfinch’s Mythology · Character

Medea

A sorceress of Colchis whose love for Jason arms him with the spells that win the Golden Fleece, and whose betrayal turns that love to ruin.

supporting

First appearance: The Golden Fleece—Medea

As a supporting figure in Bulfinch’s Mythology, Medea is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Daughter of King Aeëtes and a potent sorceress; aids Jason with charms and potions; later flees with him.

In the storyThe Golden Fleece—MedeaOpen this moment free

See Medea in The Golden Fleece—Medea Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Medea is daughter of the king who guards the Fleece, and her knowledge of herbs and incantations makes her the most dangerous ally Jason could gain. She betrays her father and her brother to help him, then uses her arts to trick Pelias's daughters into killing their own father. When Jason casts her aside for a younger princess, her grief hardens into a revenge so total it stains the whole Argonaut cycle.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Medea sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Medea in The Golden Fleece—Medea

Character Web

14 connections

A slice of how Medea sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Greek Mythological Heroes
Greek and Trojan Heroes

+9 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional peak of Tristram’s brief reunion with…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

In the story

Medea appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Golden Fleece—Medea
Daughter of King Aeëtes and a potent sorceress; aids Jason with charms and potions; later flees with him.
The Golden Fleece
Daughter of King Aeëtes and a sorceress who helps Jason complete his tasks in exchange for marriage.
Medea and Aeson
Medea performs a complex ritual to rejuvenate Aeson, later tricks Pelias's daughters into killing him, and ultimately takes revenge on Jason by murdering his bride and her own children.
Theseus—Daedalus—Castor and Pollux
Sorceress who marries Aegeus and tries to poison Theseus, then flees to Asia.
Theseus
Sorceress and wife of Aegeus; attempts to poison Theseus but flees when discovered.
Antigone
Sister of Adrastus and wife of Amphiaraus, she is bribed with the collar of Harmonia to decide in favor of the war against Thebes.
M
Listed as 'Medea, princess and sorceress who aided Jason.'

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Medea unlock in the free preview.

See Medea in The Golden Fleece—Medea