ARGUS THE SHIPWRIGHT (builder of Argo)

Following the guidance of Tritonian Athena, who infused the work with divine strength, Argus constructed the fifty-oared ship Argo, considered the best of all oared vessels.^5,7,8,4 He hurried from the city to the beach at Pagasae despite the opposition of Pelias, where he assembled the ship using bolts and commanded the crew to tightly gird the vessel with rope to compact the planks.^5,9,10,11 To launch the mighty craft, he ordered the construction of a trench and the placement of rollers, a feat of engineering that prepared the vessel for the sea.¹⁰

During the voyage, Argus skillfully guided the ship to the Phasis river and the sea's edge at night, a testament to his exceptional navigational abilities.¹² He traveled on the voyage to repair strained parts of the vessel and released the ship's ropes from beneath a rock battered by the sea.^1,13 Argus spoke to the group of heroes regarding their journey, and the men eagerly listened to his counsel, which they were instructed to obey immediately.^14,15,16

In another account, Argus was present at the head of a column of people, raising his banner high while leading the group and shouting for water as they approached a stream.¹⁷ He traveled with Mopsus during this journey.¹⁸

This other Argus attached the transformed Io to an olive tree located in his city, while a grove named Argiletum is associated with his death.^19,20 His fate was sealed in conflict, where he fought as a foot-soldier and died from a wound inflicted by Hypseus during the battle.^21,20 The kingdom of Argos devolved upon him.³