

605. Greek Myths: Jason & The Quest for the Golden Fleece (Part 4)
163 snips Oct 1, 2025
Dive into the thrilling journey of Jason and the Argonauts as they face terrifying trials, from fire-breathing bulls to a dragon guarding the Golden Fleece. Explore the evolving role of Medea, the sorceress with a tragic fate, and the fascinating origins of Greek myths in historical contexts. Discover how Alexander the Great’s reign transformed perceptions of the divine and the rise of skepticism in the Hellenistic world. The enduring legacy of these myths captivates audiences, reflecting timeless human themes and creative adaptations throughout history.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Argonautica As Hellenistic Blockbuster
- Apollonius' Argonautica (c.250 BC) is a faithful, cinematic-style epic that collects and reworks older myths into a page-turner.
- Callimachus criticized it as scavenging popular elements, reflecting a Hellenistic debate about literary taste.
Myth As Crafted Entertainment
- Apollonius integrates many traditions (Talos, harpies, clashing rocks) into a unified narrative drawing on earlier poets.
- He deliberately crafts thrilling set-pieces to revive myth for a Hellenistic audience.
Callimachus' Highbrow Critique
- Callimachus attacked Apollonius as an ibis-like scavenger, signaling elite distaste for mass entertainment in Alexandria.
- This rivalry mirrors wider Hellenistic anxieties about cultural authenticity.