Medea is sent to assist Jason and the Argonauts in finding the Golden Fleece. She later marries King Aegeus and sends Theseus on tasks to kill him.
In order to help him on his quest, Hera sent Medea to meet Jason when he arrived in Colchis. Jason and Medea completed three tasks in order to get the fleece: they plowed land with fire-breathing oxen, sowed dragon’s teeth, and defeated an army of earth-men that sprang from their labors. Finally, he used a potion provided by Medea to put the dragon who guarded the fleece to sleep, and they grabbed the fleece and escaped from Colchis.
Upon their return to Iolkos, Jason discovered that Pelias had murdered his father. In revenge, Medea told Pelias’ daughters that she could turn their father young again if they cut him into pieces and put him in a pot with a special herb. She demonstrated with a ram, and a lamb jumped out of the pot. The daughters wanted their father to enjoy his youth again, so they cut him up and threw him in the pot, but Medea did not add the herb. They were driven out of Iolkos by Pelias’ son Acastus.
Jason broke his vow to Medea by marrying another woman named Creusa, the daughter of Creon, the King of Corinth. As revenge, Medea gave the girl a cursed robe which burned her and her father alive. She then killed all of her and Jason’s children, and fled.
She later returned to Athens and married King Aegeus; together, they had a son named Medus. In some versions of the myth, Theseus arrived in Athens and King Aegeus did not recognize him as his son, but Medea did. Medea wanted to kill him so that he wouldn’t threaten Medus’ claim to the throne. She sent him on a quest to capture the Cretan bull, but Theseus was successful and did not die. She made a plan to poison Theseus and got Aegeus to agree; however, Aegeus recognized the sword Theseus was carrying as his own just as he brought the poisoned wine to his lips and knocked it out of his hand. Aegeus was so angry at Medea that he banished her.
In some versions of Medea’s story, she and Achilles were married in the gods’ realm, after they both died.
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Parents
King Aeetes and Idyia of Colchis
Notable Myths
- The Golden Fleece
- Jason’s Betrayal
- Theseus and Medea
Companions
- Jason
- Aegeus
- Achilles
Symbols / Attributes
- Poison Bottle
- Golden Fleece
Be sure to check out the lesson plans on Jason and the Golden Fleece!
How Tos about Medea: Greek Mythology
Engage students with Medea through creative classroom activities
Boost student interest in Greek mythology by integrating hands-on activities related to Medea's story. This approach helps students connect with the material and encourages deeper exploration.
Introduce Medea with a storytelling session
Start your lesson with a lively retelling of Medea's myth using expressive voice and gestures. Captivating storytelling sets the stage for student curiosity and discussion.
Facilitate a classroom debate about Medea’s choices
Organize a debate where students discuss whether Medea’s actions were justified. This builds critical thinking and encourages respectful dialogue about complex historical characters.
Create visual projects illustrating Medea’s story
Invite students to draw, paint, or craft scenes from Medea’s myth. Visual storytelling makes the ancient tale accessible and memorable for diverse learners.
Connect Medea’s themes to modern life
Encourage students to relate Medea’s story to contemporary issues like justice and family. This promotes relevance and deeper understanding of classic literature.
Frequently Asked Questions about Medea: Greek Mythology
Who was Medea in Greek mythology?
Medea was a legendary figure in Greek mythology, known as a powerful sorceress and the granddaughter of the sun god Helios. She is famous for helping Jason obtain the Golden Fleece and for her dramatic story of love and revenge.
What is the story of Medea and Jason?
The story of Medea and Jason centers on Medea aiding Jason in his quest for the Golden Fleece by using her magic to overcome obstacles. Later, their relationship ends in tragedy when Jason betrays Medea, leading to her infamous acts of revenge.
Why is Medea considered a significant character in literature?
Medea is significant because her tale explores themes like love, betrayal, and justice. She has inspired many writers and artists, most notably in Euripides' play 'Medea', where her emotions and actions highlight complex human experiences.
What are Medea's magical powers?
Medea was known for her exceptional magical abilities, including potion-making, spell-casting, and controlling supernatural forces. Her powers played a crucial role in helping Jason succeed and in her acts of vengeance.
How is Medea's story used in classroom lessons?
Medea's story is often used in classroom lessons to teach students about Greek mythology, literary themes, and ancient cultures. Teachers use her tale to discuss topics like morality, heroism, and the consequences of choices.
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