# Jason — The Argonautica character guide

> Jason in The Argonautica by Apollonius of Rhodes.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Jason the valiant, Rose Jason, Rose

**First appearance:** 0000-book-i

## Snapshot

The reluctant heir sent to steal the Golden Fleece, Jason wins glory less by strength than by the gods' favor and a sorceress's love.

## Who they are

Jason arrives in Colchis carrying the hopes of a crew and the weight of a task no mortal should survive. His real weapon is charm: he binds Medea with an oath sworn before Zeus and Hera, then lets her magic do what his spear cannot. He matters because the poem keeps asking whether a hero who needs so much help still deserves the name.

## Relationships

### [Aeson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_argonautica_se/characters/aeson)

_family_

Aeson is Jason's father, deeply concerned for his son's safety and legacy.

### [Zeus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_argonautica_se/characters/zeus)

_psychological_

Jason is a tool of Zeus's will, constantly tested and guided by the god's indirect influence.

### [Dionysus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_argonautica_se/characters/dionysus)

_friendship_

Dionysus aids Jason on his quest, offering divine support and revelry.

### [Dionysus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_argonautica_se/characters/dionysus)

_friendship_

Dionysus aids Jason on his quest, offering divine support and revelry.

### [Zeus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_argonautica_se/characters/zeus)

_psychological_

Jason is a tool of Zeus's will, constantly tested and guided by the god's indirect influence.

### [Aeson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_argonautica_se/characters/aeson)

_family_

Aeson is Jason's father, deeply concerned for his son's safety and legacy.

## In the story

### [Book I: The Gathering of Heroes and the Voyage Begins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_argonautica_se/chapters/book-i)

Protagonist; receives the quest from Pelias, leads the Argonauts, and forms a bond with Hypsipyle on Lemnos.

### [Book II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_argonautica_se/chapters/book-ii)

Jason addresses the crew, expresses his fears and sense of responsibility, and is encouraged by their support.

### [Book III: The Love of Medea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_argonautica_se/chapters/book-iii)

Leader of the Argonauts, meets Medea at Hecate's temple and wins her promise of aid through his charm and Hera's enhancement.

### [Book IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_argonautica_se/chapters/book-iv)

Leads Medea from Circe's palace and prepares to continue the voyage.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_argonautica_se/characters/jason
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_argonautica_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_argonautica_se/characters