Jason’s companions became known as the Argonauts, named after their ship,
Argo, which in turn was named after its builder, Argus. The number and identity of the Argonauts varies from one source to another, though some of the more renowned include Heracles, Orpheus, the Gemini twins Castor and Pollux, and Asclepius. Jason and the Argonauts had numerous adventures before arriving at their destination.
Jason building the Argo (British Museum /
)
After his arrival in Colchis, Jason had an audience with the king, and requested the Golden Fleece from Aeëtes. Although the king promised to give the priceless object to the hero, he was actually not keen at all to do so. Therefore, Aeëtes set two impossible tasks for Jason, and would only hand him the Golden Fleece if he could accomplish them.