Tuesday, November 19, 2013

All I Learned is That Jason Would Be Incompetent without Medea

The story of Jason is one of deceit and trickery and shows just how the gods play with mortals for their own gain. So the story is as follows: Jason was the rightful heir to the King of Iolcus, but the Kings' brother, Peleus usurped the throne form him. Peleus tortured the King and would surely have killed Jason as well but his mother was cunning and mourned as if her son had died. In reality, she had sent her son to live with a centaur who taught him to plant, hunt, and art. When he was of age, Jason set out to claim his rightful throne.

Unknowingly, Jason would fall victim to Hera's tests, whig she implemented because she also hated Peleus (he wouldn't acknowledge her goddessness) and only someone strong enough to pass her tests could take over Peleus. His first challenge was helping an old woman across a raging river, and it turns out that the old woman was actually Hera in disguise. Passing, Jason moved on to Peleus' kingdom.

There, the "King" was not receptive towards the newcomer and asked him a question, "What would you do if you wanted to get rid of a pesky visitor?" and that is when Jason answered that the King should send after the Golden Fleece. Thus, the King sent Jason out for the Golden Fleece. Ironic, no?

Jason wasn't about to back down, oh no. He got on a ship called Argo, manned by the Argonauts (they were really creative with their names) and thus the adventure began. They got rid of the troublesome Harpies, and got past the Clashing Rocks, the Flying Ram, and finally they got to King Aeetes who owned the Golden Fleece. The catch? He won't give it up. Quick, to the rescue comes Medea, his daughter, who falls madly in love with Jason and gets the Fleece form her father for him.

Then there were the raging bulls, but Medea is smarter than Jason (by a long shot)  and, luckily for Jason, a magical sorceress who protected him against the bulls. So he started plowing and sowing and then there some dragon teeth with magical harvesting properties (like growing great warriors out of the earth)which he planted. But then the seed men turned on each other because they're about as smart as dirt. Aeetes is still not giving up the fleece, which is protected by a monster, but Medea and Jason team up (but Medea's doing most of the legwork. She's the mastermind behind this entire operation), steal it, and make a quick getaway. Those rascals.

I have to say... stories of love and revenge... well, they're kind of the best. Sophia, back me up on this one. It's funny, we were at lunch and talking about the multitude of shows and books we all like. Anyway, Dom was all "ew. love. why? i don't get it? what is romance? no me gusta." and the table was in agreeance ...except, Sophia and I shot each other a look as if to say, "they're all wrong muahaha the best part is the love interest. who cares about suspense? not i! i only read divergent for four and tris!." (i'm sure everyone appreciates this intensely interesting story. you're welcome you guys.) Anyway! my point is this: yes, I appreciate a good killing here and there, maybe some troubled souls, a good drama, but my heart will forever be taken by a good love story. There's just something so fascinating to watch a relationship unfold and watch as it grows/breaks/whatever-happens-in-love-stories-because-theyre-usually-very-messy. I guess it's the whole living vicariously through someone else aspect of our/my personalities? So in short, things I chose to watch/read for fun will more than likely include some aspect of revenge or love, even if it is not central just because I believe that it adds that (usually awkward) extra kick to the plot that is my guilty pleasure.

No comments:

Post a Comment