Aries
the Ram ...
In Greek mythology, Aries was the ram owned
by Phrixus, who safely crossed the Hellespont on its back;
its golden fleece was later sought by Jason.
 The
Golden Fleece was the treasure wrested from a dragon in Colchis
by Jason and the Argonauts, after Medea had drugged the dragon.
Jason and Medea then fled, carrying the fleece on Jason's
ship, the Argo. Some ancient writers, for example, Strabo,
believed that this fleece was covered with alluvial gold.
Others held that what Jason sought was not gold, but amber.
Apollonius of Rhodes thought it was a ram's fleece used as
a priest's costume, or the sign of Aries the Ram, or some
other sacred cult object.
After the Argo's return this prize was spread
on the bridal couch of Jason and Medea, thus sanctifying their
royal union. Ancient Mediterrenean civilizations have since
immortalized Aries, and the golden fleece in essence, among
one of the creatures inhabiting the night sky. |
