Episode 15: The Argo and the Argonauts
Welcome to another episode of the Greek Myth Files! In this episode, we focus on the famous ship Argo and its crew, the Argonauts—basically setting the stage for the great voyage to reclaim the Golden Fleece. Additionally, we discuss the story behind another, earlier ship that is found in the Io myth (which we also tell). As always, below you’ll find the visual aids: a map of the places mentioned in the episode, a list of the Argonauts (and a map comparing lists), and some pictures of ancient vases that show the ship Argo. Get set for another episode of adventure!
Credits:
Written and Narrated: R. Scott Smith
Sound Engineer: Samantha Coetzee
Voice Actors: A. J. O’Neil and Julia Sommer
Music: Jared Sims, Brooklyn Tea
Map of the places mentioned in the podcast.
List of Argonauts (one of many)
Lists of Argonauts in Apollonius Rhodius (3rd c. BCE, wrote in Greek) and Valerius Flaccus (1st c. CE, wrote in Latin). Note that the later author includes heroes from the northern reaches, while Apollonius does not.
Image from the Metropolitan Museum of Art (in public domain). Vase is likely from 470–460 BCE, roughly contemporary with the Pindar poem mentioned in the podcast. Jason, with the help of the goddess Athena (center), reaches for the Golden Fleece while an Argonauts stands ready to board the Argo. The stern has a woman’s head, which could either be a figurehead decoration or perhaps an artistic representation of the prophetic plank installed by Athena on the ship that had the power of speech.