Page 251 - G6.1_M1-5

DO NOT EDIT--Changes must be made through “File info”
CorrectionKey=NL-A
myNotes
49 Heracles: Let us not be fooled by fountains and flowers, Jason. Not
only is Aeetes ruthless, but so are his Colchians.

50 Jason and Heracles enter the palace to see King Aeetes, an old man with a
white beard and menace in his eyes. Next to him stands his daughter,
Medea. As Medea looks at Jason, she is oddly overwhelmed.

51 Medea: (to herself) That man . . . have I seen him before? There is
something about him. I cannot tear my eyes away! I feel strange, and
faint. Is this . . . love? That cannot be! I am not some foolish girl who
falls for the first handsome stranger!

52 Storyteller: Medea is not wrong—she is a fierce, strong enchantress.
But she has been enchanted herself. The gods have intervened to help
Jason defeat King Aeetes by asking the goddess of love—Aphrodite—to
make Medea fall in love with Jason on sight. For Medea, as you will soon
see, has her own special talents, and will make a perfect ally for Jason.

53 King Aeetes: Who are you? What do you want? No, don’t tell me. Let
me guess. You are yet another stranger come to Colchis to steal what
belongs to me.

54 Jason: King Aeetes. I am Jason, rightful king of Iolcus. My warriors—
the Argonauts—are on your shores. And yes, I have come for the fleece,
for procuring it is the only way I can claim my throne.

55 King Aeetes: You expect me to hand over my prized possession
simply because you want it?

56 Jason: I am a descendant of Phrixus, King Aeetes. That fleece belongs
in Greece.

57 King Aeetes slowly approaches Jason. Heracles takes a step toward the
menacing king to protect Jason, but Jason holds up a hand to stop him.

Jason stands his ground as best he can. The king gets close—too close—
and whispers:

58 King Aeetes: Would you like to know, Descendant of Phrixus, what I
do to men who arrive in my kingdom demanding my Golden Fleece?

59 Medea steps forward, stepping between her father and Jason.
60 Medea: Father, perhaps we might show these men some hospitality, or
at least kindness? They have clearly traveled a long way.

61 Medea turns her eyes to Jason, struggling not to feel faint at the very sight
of him.

251