Book, Argonauticas[LS]

Here is one of the most famous stories of all time. It describes the dangerous expedition of Jason and his companions, the Argonauts, including Theseus and Heracles, towards Colchis in search of the Golden Fleece. (a mythological ram with a golden coat). Whether it's because it brings together these three great Greek superheroes and Medea, or because it contains all the characteristics of the famous Homeric epics, the narrative remains popular, despite all the cultural changes.. This is largely due to Apollonius of Rhodes, who in the 3rd century BC, in the Argonautics, gave the story its written form, the same one that served as the basis for all the adaptations already made in our time in cinema and comics.. This bilingual edition of the poem features an exquisite translation and two essays by Fernando Rodrigues Junior contextualizing the work and the author and analyzing the role played by heroism, that combination of courage and persistence without which great adventures would be impossible.. FROM THE COVER Cover image: portrait of Apollonius of Rhodes, from a copy of what would be a bust of the author. TEXTS COLLECTION The Textos collection is dedicated to great texts by great Brazilian and international authors in the fields of literature, drama, criticism and philosophy.. Its purpose is to present a panel of the life and work of these writers and thinkers, their work itself and critical essays that demonstrate their vitality and importance for the Brazilian reader.. EXCERPTS Listen, sovereign inhabitant of Pagasas and of the city of Aeson, whose name comes from our father, you who promised me, when I consulted the oracle in Pytho, to signal the completion and the limits of the path, for you are the one responsible for these works.. He leads the ship, with the companions safe and sound, to Colchis and back to Hellas.. Then, in your honor, we will place on your altar splendid sacrifices of as many bulls as we return, and I will also bring innumerable gifts to Pito and Ortigia.. Now come, Apollo Flecheiro, and receive the sacrifice we offer you as the first sign of gratitude as we embark on the ship.. May I cast off the moorings, sovereign, according to your plan, with a destiny without regrets. And may the wind blow sweetly, with which we will travel peacefully across the sea.. [book 1, p.. 49, v. 411-425] But Medea (disputed by both parties) would be entrusted to Leto's daughter, away from the crew, until one of the kings who held the law judged whether it would be necessary for her to return to her father's house or follow the valiant ones towards Hellas. Then, as the girl thought over every detail in her mind, sharp pains violently shook her heart.. Promptly calling Jason alone, away from his companions, he took him to another place, until they had gone far away, and in front of him he said words of discouragement: “Aesonida, what is this plan you have devised concerning me? Have triumphs thrown you into complete oblivion and you do not occupy yourself with the things you said to me when you were in need? Where have the oaths by Supplicant Zeus gone, where have the sweet promises gone? Because of them, I, in disorder and with shameless desire, abandoned my homeland, the glory of my home and my own parents, everything that was most dear to me, and alone, far away, I am carried by the sea with the sad halcyons, because of your tasks, so that you would have fulfilled, save for me, the labors against the oxen and the Born of the Earth.. Finally you acquired the fleece, which is why your voyage was undertaken, thanks to my madness, and I brought a fatal shame upon women.. In this way I affirm that I follow you through Hellas as your daughter, your wife and your sister.. [book 4, p.. 283, v. [345-369] SUMMARY Introductory Note Chronology Plot Structure of the “Argonautica” Map ARGONAUTICAS Book 1 Book 2 Book 3 Book 4 CRITICAL ESSAYS Some Considerations on the “Argonautica” The Discussion on Heroism in the “Argonautica” Bibliography Index of Names Acknowledgments