Jason and the Golden Fleece

Narrator 1

Narrator 2

Narrator 3

Jason

Hera

King Pelias

Hypsipyle

Nurse

Heracles

King Phineus

King Aeetes

Medea

Circe

Presentation Suggestions: This script has many characters. Arrange them using chairs and stools or have the minor characters leave the stage after their speaking parts. Place the three narrators on one side of the stage, sitting on chairs. On the other side of the stage, place Hera, King Pelias, Hypsipyle, and Nurse on chairs. Jason and Medea can sit on stools in the center of the stage. Heracles, King Aeetes, King Phineus, and Circe can stand in the center in front or on either side of Jason and Medea.

Props: Use a nautical theme, with a large backdrop or mural of a ship. The heroes should be dressed in traveling clothes, such as short tunics. The stage can be decorated with swords and shields. King Pelias can wear royal clothing. Hypsiple and Nurse can wear gowns. Medea can wear black, in keeping with her tragic role.

Delivery Suggestions: The narrators should carefully rehearse their lines and be familiar with the background they provide. Jason should sound confident and royal. King Pelias should sound crafty. Medea should sound supportive, desperate, and vengeful in turn. In general, the other characters should use normal voices.

Narrator 1: Cretheus had founded the kingdom ofIoIcus on a bay of Thessaly, creating a great city. He had two sons, Aeson and Pelias, and he gave the throne to Aeson, his older son. Pelias, a jealous and power-hungry man, usurped the throne. Aeson feared for his son Jason's life, so he sent Jason to the centaur Chiron to be raised and trained in the skills befitting a royal heir and hero. Soon after, Aeson died, but Jason became strong and even more handsome than he was as a child.

Narrator 2: After twenty years with Chiron, Jason decided to return to Iolcus to reclaim his father's throne. He made a striking sight as he walked along. His golden hair hung to his shoulders, and he wrapped his powerful body in a panther skin. He carried two spears, one for throwing and one for thrusting. As he approached a river, he saw an old woman and stopped to offer her his help.

Narrator 3: Jason didn't realize that this was Hera, disguised as an old woman. He started to wade across, but with each step she grew heavier. When he was halfway across, his feet began to sink deep into the mud. He lost one of his sandals, but he continued steadfastly until he reached the other shore.

Hera: You are indeed a fine mortal. Now I must tell you who I really am. I am Hera, and I shall reward you for your exceptionally kind nature. I know that you hope to regain the throne from Pelias, and I will support your efforts.

Jason: Your patronage will be most welcome. I have no knowledge of the challenges that I face, but knowing you are on my side gives me strength.

Narrator 1: King Pelias had grown much older by this time. For many years, he had puzzled over an oracle's prophecy that one day a youth with only one sandal would bring danger. When Jason arrived in Iolcus, the people gathered around him, curious to know who this golden-haired youngster was. King Pelias came down from his throne to see the stranger and paled when he saw that the young man wore only one sandal. He questioned the youth about how he came to be in IoIcus.

King Pelias: Good morning, young man. Welcome to lolcus. Where do you come from, and what brings you to our city?

Jason: I was the son of King Aeson, but Chiron has raised me. I've come to visit my father's house.

King Pelias: Welcome! Let me show you the palace. We'll have a feast to celebrate your return!

Narrator 2: King Pelias sounded welcoming and pleasant, but in truth, he was alarmed at Jason's arrival. And as the uneasy king expected, by the sixth day, Jason was ready to make his claim.

Jason: King Pelias, I appreciate the kindness you have shown me, but I know that everything you possess is truly mine. But I'll be fair and let you keep the herds of cattle and sheep and the fields on which they graze-even though you took them from my parents. All I ask of you is the scepter and the throne that was once my father's.

King Pelias: Jason, you're a fine young man, and I know you want to rule in your father's stead. To be an effective leader of the kingdom, however, you must prove that you are heroic. It's true that I am aging, and the people need a leader they can admire. Not only do you need to show that you can be a strong leader, but you also need to win over the people you'll be ruling.

King Pelias: Before I tell you the task, you must hear a story. Athamas, the king· of Boeotia, had a son named Phrixus. Ino, Phrixus's stepmother, mistreated him and wanted to kill him. Wanting to save him, his own mother, Nephele, set Phrixus and his sister, Helle, on the back of a winged ram, whose fleece was pure gold. They rode over land and sea on the magical ram.

King Pelias: Yes, the flight made her dizzy, and she fell to her death in the sea, thereafter called the Sea of Helle. But Phrixus held on and was delivered safely to King Aeetes in the land of Colchis, on the coast of the Black Sea. He was received warmly and married one ofKingAeetes's daughters. In gratitude for his safe journey, Phrixus sacrificed the ram to Zeus and presented the golden fleece to King Aeetes. In turn, King Aeetes offered it to the god Ares and nailed it to a tree in a sacred grove. That's true, Jason. But an oracle had told King Aeetes that his life depended on keeping the golden fleece in his possession. So he consigned a dragon that never sleeps to guard it. I want that fleece. Complete this quest, and you'll have the kingdom and scepter.

Jason: Give me timber and men to build a sturdy ship. Once I have the ship and worthy men at my side, I'll begin the quest.

Narrator 3: Jason didn't realize that King Pelias hoped Jason would lose his life in the process. He gave his word to the King that he would return with the treasure. Jason summoned Argus, the best shipbuilder in Greece, to build a light, seaworthy ship. Then Jason asked for volunteers among the heroes of the day. The crew included the most exalted heroes of the Argonauts: Heracles, Lynceus, Admetus, Meleager, Menoetius, Theseus, Euphemus, and others. As they set sail, Orpheus inspired them with his music, and Poseidon sent the West Wind to fill their sails as they headed east.

Narrator 1: The heroes rowed together with high spirits. Gradually, however, they grew tired until the only ones left rowing were Jason and Heracles. Never wanting to back down from a challenge, each continued to row to see who would be deemed the strongest. Just as Jason fainted from exhaustion, Heracles's oar broke in two, and the unspoken competition ended in a draw.

Narrator 2: The Argonauts landed on the island of Lemnos, inhabited by women who had killed their husbands out of jealousy a year before. The women feared they would be attacked by the Argonauts. So when they saw the ship approaching, they prepared for a battle. When Jason and the others saw the contingent of women warriors, they sent a herald, requesting shelter and time to rest. Hypsipyle, the queen, and her nurse discussed their options with the other women.

Hypsipyle: Sisters, we have killed men out of jealousy, and now these men seem to seek our favor. We don't want them to find out what we did, but perhaps we should send them provisions and let them be on their way. What do you think, Nurse?

Nurse: Send the provisions, but think about what might happen should the Thracians ever come. These men could defend us. We've only been without men for a year, but who is going to tend the fields and draw the ploughs? And someday you will want to have children. I'm old and won't be here many more years, but you younger people need to think about your futures. I advise you to trust these strangers and ask them to stay and govern your city.

Narrator 3: The women agreed with her proposal and sent words ofwelcom to the heroes. Jason and many others entered the city, eager to meet the m beautiful women. Heracles and a few others stayed behind, preferring to rem' on the ship. When Jason came to meet with Hypsipyle, she flattered hi with her attentions.

Hypsipyle: Jason, you are welcome in our city. We have no men here to figh you, and we value your patronage. If you find favor with this country, we would like you to stay. In fact, I would be honored if you would take the scepte and rule over the people.

Narrator 1: Of course, Hypsipyle omitted the fact that the women had killed their husbands out of jealousy.

Jason: Our people are grateful for your help, but you must keep your scepter and your island. I have a journey ahead and must complete a task I've promised to do.

Hypsipyle: I appreciate your dedication to your undertaking, but I hope you'll accept our gifts and hospitality in the meantime.

Narrator 2: Indeed, the women of Lemnos provided the heroes with lavish gifts and feasts. They stayed an extra day, and then another, and then another. The men found it increasingly difficult to leave the beautiful island with these accommodating women. Finally Heracles left the ship and came to the island, where he chastised them.

Heracles: Men, think about what you are doing! You have families at home. Do you really want to stay here and tend the fields for the women of Lemnos? If Jason wants to stay and marry Hypsipyle, he can do that. But let's return to our homes instead of languishing on this distant island.

Narrator 3: The men, including Jason, knew that Heracles spoke wisely and prepared to go. The women were disappointed, and Hypsipyle bade farewell to Jason.

Hypsipyle: Jason, may the gods lead you to the golden fleece so that you can fulfill your quest. But should you ever wish to return, my scepter awaits you. I know that you won't return, but I hope you'll at least think of me.

Jason: Hypsipyle, you'll always be in my heart, but I must fulfill my destiny. Good-bye.

Narrator 1: The heroes pulled at their oars, and the island of Lemnos soon dissappeared from sight. Winds swept the ship toward the island of Cyzicus where savage giants with six arms lived next to the peace-loving Doliones, descendants of the sea god. The Doliones's king greeted the heroes and treated them hospitably. The Argonauts anchored their ship, and all but Heracles went ashore. While Jason told the king of his quest, the men climbed the island to determine the location of the island.

Narrator 2: Meanwhile, giants were laying down a wall with huge stones so they could close offthe harbor. Heracles saw them at their mischief and shot many of them with his arrows. The other heroes finished off the rest of the giants when they returned. Planning to follow the advice offered by the king, they sailed out to sea. But the night wind blew them back to Cyzicus. The peaceeloving Doliones thought they were being attacked, not recognizing Jason and the heroes in the dark. A fierce battle ensued, and Jason killed the king who had so recently befriended him. The Doliones fled to their city, and it wasn't until morning that everyone realized their dreadful mistake. The heroes stayed for three days, sharing in the grief over the tragedy.

Narrator 3: The heroes next landed in the bay of Bithynia where the Mysians greeted them with kind hospitality and a fine feast. Heracles, never one to engage in the comforts offered at such events, went into the woods to find a pine tree for a new oar. His beloved friend Hylas was filling his jar with water when a nymph in the pool captured him, pulling him to the bottom of the pool. When Heracles discovered what had happened, he threw down the pine tree and bellowed with grief as he ran off.

Narrator 1: The heroes meanwhile prepared to depart, and when the wind came up, they left without Heracles. After more adventures they came upon the land where King Phineus suffered greatly. The harpies would not allow him to eat, and he had become quite frail. According to an oracle, the Argonauts would save him. He greeted them weakly, but with great hope.

King Phineus: You are welcome here. An oracle foretold that you would help me. Can you stop the harpies?

Narrator 2: Two of the heroes pursued the harpies, but they couldn't quite catch them. Then suddenly, Iris, messenger of Zeus, appeared and told them that the harpies would no longer trouble King Phineus. The heroes prepared a celebratory feast. King Phineus addressed the heroes.

King Phineus: I am grateful for what you have done. Here is what you must do now. Travel to the Symplegades in the narrows of the Euxine Sea. These rocky islands float in the water and the current drives them together and then apart.

Jason: I've heard of these islands. Ships rarely pass between them without being crushed by the islands coming together.

King Phineus: Here are your directions. Take a dove with you and release it as you near the island. Pass through the islands quickly, following the dove's straight flight. Only then can you avoid being destroyed. Next, you'll sail past many rivers, coasts, the Amazons, and the land of the Chalybes, who dig iron out of the Earth. Finally, you'll come to the Coast of the Colchis, where the river Phasis pours into the sea. You'll see the palace of King Aeetes where a sleepless dragon guards the gold fleece hanging at the top of an oak tree.

Jason: Thank you, King Phineus. With your help, we may succeed and be able to return to our homes before long.

Narrator 3: The heroes followed the dove, barely making it between the islands. After a dangerous journey, they reached their destination. They knew that King Aeetes had a reputation for killing foreigners. While Jason and a few companions approached King Aeetes's palace, the rest of the heroes stayed aboard the ship. Soon Jason was explaining their quest to King Aeetes.

Jason: Greetings, King Aeetes. I am Jason and I have come with a ship full of heroes to retrieve the golden fleece. If you give us the fleece, all of Greece will honor you. Of course we are ready to repay you for any help you offer. If there is a war we can fight or a wrong we can right, just name it.

King Aeetes: Uyou are indeed great heroes, you'll find the labor I request of you to be trivial. I have two fire-breathing bulls that graze in the field of Ares. I plow the field with them, and then sow the field with the teeth of a dragon. The crop I harvest is men, whom I slay with my lance. If you can accomplish this in a day, as I usually do, you may take the golden fleece. But there is more, Jason. If you do not succeed, I shall cut out your tongues and lop off your hands. That will be the end of your heroic deeds!

Narrator 1: Of course, King Aeetes did not know that Hera was helping Jason. She had sent Eros to shoot his arrow into Medea, King Aeetes's daughter. Medea fell instantly in love with Jason. That night she sent for him and offered her help.

Medea: I have been trained in the art of magic and have prepared a magic salve for you.

Jason: Why would you give me this? Your father is surely hoping we will fail. I can't believe that he truly wants to give us the golden fleece.

Medea: Jason, can't you see in my eyes how I feel about you? I would do anyything to help you. Now listen as I tell you what to do. After my father gives you the dragon's teeth for sowing, bathe alone in the river waters. Put on black garments and dig a pit. Prepare a fire, slaughter a lamb, and sacrifice it on the fire. Offer honey from your own cup to Hecate and then leave. Do not look back for any reason. The next morning, cover yourself with the ointment. You'll be prootected and feel very strong. Cover your lance, sword, and shield. When the men spring up from the dragon's seed, throw a stone among the men. They will fight over it and you can kill them. The magic only lasts one day, but that should suffice.

Jason: Medea, if this works, I will remember you every day for the rest of my life. Tell me, Medea, how can I repay you?

Medea: There is a way, Jason. I yearn to live in Greece instead of this dreadful kingdom.

Jason: If I succeed, I swear I'll make you my queen and take you away from here.

Narrator 2: With Medea's help, Jason carried out the task exactly as required. But King Aeetes had no intention of giving him the golden fleece. While King Aeetes plotted to kill the Argonauts, Medea sneaked to the ship and called for Jason.

Medea: Jason, my father will never let you have the golden fleece. Even speak, he plots his attack on your ship. You must leave immediately. But you can. Take me with you, swearing that you will do right by when I am an alien in your land. I can show you where the golden fleece' and put the dragon to sleep for you.

Jason: Medea, I swear by Zeus and Hera, that you will be my honored wife one we have returned to Greece. Let's be off then.

Narrator 3: Medea guided the ship to the sacred grove and sang the dragon to sleep with a sweet-voiced prayer. Jason pulled the fleece down while Medea sprinkled the dragon's head with a magic potion. Jason carried the fleece above his head, and it shimmered like a beacon as they returned to the ship. When they boarded the ship, he spoke to his fellow heroes.

Jason: As you can see, we have the golden fleece. We would not have succeeded ifit hadn't been for Medea's intervention and guidance. In return I shall take her as my wife. She has saved us all, along with all of Greece. Soon King Aeetes will discover what we've done and pursue us. Here's my plan: Half of us should take up the oars and make haste with our retreat. The other half should hold up our shields for protection.

Narrator 1: Without delay, they began rowing away as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, King Aeetes had learned that the ship had departed, and he mounted a fleet of ships to pursue them. He desperately wanted his revenge on Jason for stealing his daughter. King Aeetes's ships were lighter and faster, and they lay in wait for Jason's ship at the mouth of the Ister River. The two sides decided to negotiate, agreeing that Jason could take the golden fleece, but Medea would stay behind on another island. A nearby king would serve as an arbitrator and determine if Medea should be returned to her father. Medea was furious at Jason's betrayal.

Medea: Jason, what are you thinking of? How can you betray me? What about your promises, your solemn oath? I gave up everything for you and betrayed my father. Don't leave me here alone. You know that ifI'm returned to my father, his punishment will be harsh.

Jason: You're right, Medea. This negotiation was just a ploy to delay the battle until we can determine what to do. Everyone who lives here would help your brother capture you so he could take you back to your father. He is a strong leader, the one we must defeat.

Medea: There's no going back for me, Jason. You should know that by now. Here's an idea: Carry forward as if you were going to honor the negotiation. We'll hold a banquet, get my brother alone, and kill him. They will have to end their pursuit to bury him.

Narrator 2: As Medea and Jason carried out the murder, Zeus looked on with anger. Nothing was worse than killing a family member. The sacred and magical oak, which was among the timbers of the ship, told the heroes that until Circe purified them of the murder, they would wander the seas. Indeed, the winds and waves tormented the ship until they found Circe's palace.

Narrator 3: Medea knew how Circe, her father's sister, would change men into animals and convinced Jason to let her accompany him to Circe's palace. Circe greeted them quietly, having heard about their crimes.

Medea: Circe, I know I have committed grievous acts, but it was only out of love. Jason was searching for the golden fleece for honorable reasons. I only wanted to help him succeed. I had not anticipated falling in love with him.

Circe: You have committed a grave wrong, but you have given up your homeeland as well. Your father will never forgive you.

Medea: I know, Circe, but we still need your help before we can continue to Greece. What's done is done. Won't you take pity on us and help?

Circe: Yes, Medea. I don't condone what you have done, but I will make a sacriifice to Zeus on your behalf. But you must leave. I want no more of this tragic affair.

Narrator 1: Jason and Medea returned to the ship, gentle winds sent them on their way back to Greece. They still had many challenges. The Sirens, half birds and half women, would sing so beautifully that sailors who heard them would abandon their ship and dive into the waters toward them. To evade their power, Orpheus sang and played his lyre, drowning out their songs.

Narrator 2: The ship also had to pass through a narrow strait guarded by two monsters. Scylla looked like a woman above the waist, but six snarling dogs grew out of her hips. Charybdis greedily sucked passing ships into her huge gullet. But the daughters of Nereus helped the heroes. At Hera's bidding, they swam around the ship, guiding it past the monsters and around the rocks.

Narrator 3: After more challenges, the ship finally returned to Greece, but Pelias was still determined to keep Jason from his goal. Again Medea intervened, tricking King Pelias's daughters into killing him. But the people so horrified at Medea's series of crimes that the throne went to Acustus, Pelias's son, instead of Jason.

Narrator 1: Jason left for Corinth and married Medea, as promised. They had three sons, and Jason loved her for ten years.

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