Story Summary
Discover how Jason and the Argonauts survived the deadly Symplegades in Jason and the Clashing Rocks, a classic Greek myth about bravery and divine intervention.
Jason and his crew of Argonauts, aboard the mighty ship Argo, were on a perilous quest for the Golden Fleece. To reach Colchis, they had to navigate the Symplegades, two massive, floating cliffs that crashed together to crush any ship attempting to pass. Following the advice of the blind seer Phineus, Jason tested the waters by releasing a white dove. As the rocks slammed shut, the dove narrowly escaped, losing only a few tail feathers. Seizing the moment as the rocks began to pull apart, the Argonauts rowed with divine strength. With a little help from the goddess Hera and the speed of their oars, the Argo surged through the gap. The rocks clipped the ship's stern but failed to sink her. Legend says that once a ship successfully passed, the Clashing Rocks were cursed to remain stationary forever, and so they stand today as the entrance to the Black Sea.
The Moral
Success is achieved through a combination of divine guidance, careful testing, and the courage to act decisively in the face of danger.
“Row as though the sea itself intends to swallow you, for the rocks wait for no man's hesitation.”
Fun Fact
The Symplegades are often confused with Scylla and Charybdis, but they are distinct obstacles; the former were moving rocks, while the latter were a monster and a whirlpool.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Jason and the Clashing Rocks?
The story teaches that even the most impossible obstacles can be overcome through a mixture of wise counsel and bold, decisive action. It emphasizes the importance of testing a situation before committing fully to a dangerous path.
Who helped Jason pass the Clashing Rocks?
The blind prophet Phineus provided the crucial advice to use a dove to test the rocks, while the goddess Hera (or Athena in some versions) gave the ship a divine push to ensure it cleared the gap.
What bird did Jason use to test the Symplegades?
Jason used a white dove. By watching if the dove could fly through the rocks, the Argonauts could determine if the timing of the crushing rocks allowed for a ship to pass safely.
Where were the Clashing Rocks located in Greek mythology?
The Symplegades were said to be located at the Bosphorus, the narrow strait that serves as the gateway between the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea.
What happened to the Clashing Rocks after Jason passed?
According to the myth, it was fated that if any ship ever successfully navigated the passage, the rocks would lose their movement. After the Argo passed, they became fixed in place forever.
What was the ship called in the story of Jason?
The ship was called the Argo. It was a legendary galley built by the shipwright Argus with the help of Athena, and it was famous for being exceptionally fast and sturdy.
