Story Summary
Experience the epic trial of Jason and the Dragon's Teeth. To win the Golden Fleece, Jason must yoke fire-breathing bulls and outwit a magical army of warriors.
Upon arriving in Colchis to claim the Golden Fleece, Jason was faced with a seemingly impossible challenge by King Aeëtes. To prove his worth, he had to yoke two fire-breathing bulls with bronze hooves and plow the field of Ares. The King then gave Jason the teeth of a dragon to sow into the freshly turned earth. Medea, the king’s daughter and a powerful sorceress, secretly loved Jason and provided him with a magical ointment that protected his body from fire and steel. Jason successfully yoked the beasts and sowed the teeth, but immediately, an army of fierce, fully armed warriors known as the Spartoi sprouted from the soil. Following Medea's advice, Jason threw a large stone into the midst of the warriors. Confused and suspicious, the soldiers turned on one another, fighting until the entire army lay dead upon the field. Jason stood victorious, having used both divine help and clever strategy to overcome the king’s deadly trial.
The Moral
Even the most overwhelming obstacles can be overcome with a combination of preparation, courage, and clever strategy rather than brute force alone.
“The earth itself groaned as it gave birth to a harvest of iron and blood.”
Fun Fact
This myth shares elements with the founding of Thebes, where the hero Cadmus also sowed dragon's teeth to create the first citizens of his new city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Jason and the Dragon's Teeth?
Jason succeeds by using his head as much as his sword, showing that preparation and resourcefulness are key to overcoming massive odds. The story highlights that even heroes need help and strategy to survive.
Who helped Jason defeat the dragon's teeth warriors?
Medea, the daughter of King Aeëtes, helped Jason by giving him a protective ointment and the strategy of throwing a stone to cause the warriors to fight each other. Without her magical aid, Jason would likely have perished.
What are the warriors called in Jason and the Dragon's Teeth?
The warriors who sprout from the dragon's teeth are known as the Spartoi, or 'sown men.' They were fierce soldiers who emerged fully armed and ready for battle from the earth.
Why did King Aeëtes give Jason the dragon's teeth?
The king set this task as a lethal trial to prevent Jason from obtaining the Golden Fleece. He believed the fire-breathing bulls or the magical army would kill Jason, protecting his prize.
What did Jason throw at the warriors?
Jason threw a large stone into the middle of the Spartoi. Because they were born from the earth with no knowledge of their surroundings, they blamed each other for the strike and began a civil war.
Where did the dragon's teeth come from?
The teeth Jason sowed were from the Ismenian Dragon, which had been slain by Cadmus. Half of these teeth were given to King Aeëtes by the goddess Athena for use in his kingdom.
