AESON (father of Jason)

Aeson married his sister Alcimede, daughter of Phylacus, and had a son named Jason with Polymede.^10,4,11 The young Jason was raised by Chiron in the wooded area of Pelion, where he was taught to use prayers and charms.^11,12 While the Argonauts were still away, his brother Pelias attempted to kill him.^5,13

Aeson asked to be allowed to end his own life instead of being killed.¹³ He died after drinking the blood of a bull while offering a sacrifice.¹³ Medea later used her skill and golden cauldrons to prepare a brew that removed his old age.¹⁴ This magical intervention transformed him into a sweet young boy, stripping his old age from him.¹⁴

Jason, shining with beauty and grace, completed the labours imposed by Pelias and brought the daughter of Aeetes to Iolcus.^15,16 The son of Aeson guided the maiden to the ship's stern and addressed the assembled heroes after seating her.¹⁷ He stopped the heroes from touching the golden fleece and covered it with a newly woven mantle.¹⁷

In a later conflict, Jason held out an olive branch carried by Mopsus to request peace, but the wind carried his words away.¹⁸ Idas noticed the son of Aeson and spoke to him loudly while he brooded over events, feeling helpless.¹⁹ Jason moved forth from the hall toward the door, rising from his seat to leave with others.¹⁵ The son of Aeson is currently seeking the fleece with his companions.²⁰