The Golden Fleece and the Heroes Who Lived Before Achilles

Name: The Golden Fleece and the Heroes Who Lived Before Achilles
Author: Padraic Colum

By Padraic Colum

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Adventure Mythology, Legends & Folklore

About This Book

A lively retelling of Greek heroic legends that follows Jason from his hidden childhood to the assembling of the Argonauts, the launching of the ship Argo, and the perilous voyage to Colchis to claim a famed golden fleece. The narrative traces the heroes' encounters—prophetic kings, island peoples, the Symplegades, and the mountain Caucasus—then the cunning of Medea, the acquisition of the prize, and the fraught return to Greece. Complementary chapters present other mythic adventures—Atalanta, Peleus, Theseus, Heracles, Admetus, and Orpheus—offering episodes of contest, magic, descent to the dead, and the costs of heroism.

About the Author

Padraic Colum

Padraic Colum was an Irish poet, novelist, and playwright, celebrated for his contributions to literature and his role in the Irish literary revival. Born in 1881, he is known for his ability to weave folklore and myth into his narratives, making them accessible to a modern audience. His notable works include "The Children of Odin: The Book of Northern Myths," which retells ancient Norse legends, and "The King of Ireland's Son," a tale that blends fantasy with Irish cultural themes. Colum's writing often reflects his deep appreciation for the oral traditions of storytelling, and he remains a significant figure in the landscape of Irish literature.