ARGUS, SON OF PHRIXUS (son of Phrixos)

Driven by the dying command of his father, Argus set out from Aea toward Orchomenus to claim the wealth of Athamas.^11,10 A violent storm destroyed his Colchian ship, and Argus clung to a large wooden beam until he was washed ashore on an island near the Mossynoeci.¹¹ There, helpless in his evil plight, he was found by the Argonauts, and he was the first to speak when the two groups met on the beach, recounting his history to identify himself.^10,11

Argus helped build the ship alongside the goddess Athena near the crest of Pelion, demonstrating his practical skill and willingness to join the enterprise despite his initial annoyance at their pursuit of the ram's fleece.^12,7 He instructed his brothers to stay behind to discover a maiden's intentions, returning to the ship alone while signing to them to remain, and later advised the leaders to land the travelers at a specific location.^13,14,15

Argus traveled to the palace of Aeetes to plead with his mother, begging her to ask Medea for assistance, and later went to the palace to speak with her again.¹⁶ After learning that Medea had left for Hecate's shrine, he separated Jason from his companions and guided him across the plain toward the goddess's location, accompanied by Mopsus.¹⁷ In these moments, he showed a pleased attitude toward the crafty counsel of the heroes, and he brought a ewe and milk from the flock to Jason.^17,18

Argus inherited the kingdom of Argos and was the father of Magnes, securing his legacy through both rule and lineage.^6,2 His fate, however, was cut short in battle, where he fought as a foot-soldier and was killed by Hypseus, or in other accounts, by the son of Maia.^19,20 Though his life ended in violence, his memory persists in the grove of Argiletum, named in honor of the elder-born son.^21,9