Myths, Monsters, Maidens: Jason's Archetypal Quest for the Golden Fleece

In the BBC World documentary Ancient Greek Heroes: Myth and Modern Vision (Bragard, 2004), the mythical hero Jason is presented as a highly admirable role model. Not only does he overcome a fire-breathing dragon and obtain the legendary Golden Fleece, but the documentary also suggests that his journey provides him with profound insights into life in general and the opposite sex in particular. However, this optimistic portrayal of Jason’s character and achievements scarcely aligns with the depiction found in ancient Greek sources. With the help of Jungian psychology, we will uncover an unexpected subtext in the original narrative while simultaneously highlighting the continuing relevance of this archetypal quest for our own time.