Hercules & the Argonaut Tales
After the Third
or Fifth Labor depending which account is used, Hercules joined the Argonauts to quest for the Golden Fleece. This myth
lends itself to several constellations
that will be briefly discussed here. Hercules knew and was friends with all the Argonauts but his service with them was
sporadic.
Aries
(The Ram)
In mythology this ram was the source of the
Golden Fleece which commenced the quest
of Jason and the Argonauts. It was a magical creature that could speak as well
fly. Hermes (Mercury) gave it to the
children of King Athamas, Helle and her brother Phrixus, who used it to escape their hated stepmother.
This woman was also purported to be
in league with an attempt to murder her husband and usurp the throne.
Unfortunately, Helle fell off during flight into the straight that
became known as the
Hellespont. Phrixus reached Colchis on the Black Sea in safety and sacrificed the ram to the Gods in gratitude for his having been
spared. The Golden Fleece was given
to Aeetes, King of Colchis, who set the ferocious dragon Draco to guard it – And yes – this is the same Draco. It was said this
creature never slept and took his guard
duties quite seriously.
The Golden Fleece remained in Colchis
until being ‘liberated’ by Jason and his crew.