Story Summary
Witness the legendary trial of Jason and the Fire-Breathing Bulls as the hero faces the Khalkotauroi to win the Golden Fleece with Medea’s magical protection.
To claim the Golden Fleece, King Aeëtes set Jason a seemingly impossible task: to yoke two bronze-hoofed, fire-breathing bulls known as the Khalkotauroi and plow a sacred field. Realizing the mortal danger Jason faced, the king’s daughter, the sorceress Medea, fell in love with him and offered her secret arts. She provided Jason with a magical ointment made from the Caucasian crocus, which made his skin and armor impervious to fire and steel for a single day. Protected by the balm, Jason entered the arena. As the massive beasts charged, belching torrents of flame, Jason stood his ground, his body unburnt by the searing heat. With divine strength, he wrestled the bulls into submission, forcing them into the yoke. He successfully plowed the field and sowed it with dragon teeth, which instantly sprouted into an army of stone-born warriors. Following Medea's advice, Jason threw a stone among them, causing the soldiers to turn on one another until none remained, completing the king's deadly trial.
The Moral
Success often depends as much on wise preparation and the help of others as it does on personal courage.
“Neither the searing heat of the bronze nor the fury of the beasts could move the man protected by love's magic.”
Fun Fact
The Khalkotauroi were said to be gifts from Hephaestus, the Greek god of smithing, which is why they were made of bronze and could breathe fire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Jason and the Fire-Breathing Bulls?
The story teaches that even the greatest heroes cannot succeed alone; preparation, strategic thinking, and accepting help are vital for overcoming impossible odds.
How did Jason survive the fire of the bulls?
The sorceress Medea gave him a magical ointment called the 'Charm of Prometheus.' When applied to his body and shield, it made him invincible to fire and weapons for one day.
What are the fire-breathing bulls called?
They are known as the Khalkotauroi. They were automatons made of bronze, created by the god of the forge, Hephaestus, as a gift for King Aeëtes.
Why did King Aeëtes give Jason this task?
The King did not want to give up the Golden Fleece. He set these lethal challenges hoping Jason would fail or be killed in the process of attempting them.
What happened after Jason plowed the field?
He had to sow the field with dragon teeth, which immediately grew into fully armed warriors. Jason defeated them by throwing a stone into their midst, causing them to fight each other.
Who is Medea in this story?
Medea is the daughter of King Aeëtes and a powerful priestess. Her magical intervention is the only reason Jason survives the encounter with the bulls and the dragon-tooth soldiers.
