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In ancient Greece, there were two brothers, Aeson and Pelias. Aeson was the king of Iolcos, and Pelias was very jealous. One day, Aeson stood on his palace balcony, proud of his kingdom.

“I’m king of all I can see,” Aeson said.

Pelias, standing behind him, muttered, “Who does he think he is? I’ll show him who’s boss.”

One day, Aeson told his wife he had to leave on a trip far away.

“Wife, I have to leave on a trip. Take care of yourself and our baby son, Jason,” Aeson said, hugging them both before he left.

Pelias saw his chance. He grabbed Aeson’s wife’s bags and threw them out of the palace.

“What are you doing?” she cried.

“I’m king now,” Pelias declared, putting on the crown and standing on the balcony. “Greetings, my people. I’m king now.”

An Oracle appeared and warned Pelias, “Beware of a man with one sandal. He will be your downfall.”

Pelias laughed, “What nonsense! No one can touch me now.”

To protect Jason from Pelias, Aeson’s wife sent him to live with the wise centaur, Cheiron.

“Jason, you are the future king. You must go to the forest and stay with an old friend of your father’s,” she said.

Jason walked into the forest and heard a booming voice, “You must be Jason, Aeson’s son.” Cheiron, a centaur, jumped out from behind a bush.

“Who are you? What are you?” asked Jason.

“I’m a centaur, half man, half beast,” Cheiron replied.

“Well, I’m pleased to meet you. My father thinks very highly of you,” said Jason.

“Welcome, Jason. I will teach you everything you need to know to become king,” Cheiron said.

Over the years, Cheiron taught Jason how to hunt, entertain, and be kind. Jason became strong, smart, and caring.

One day, Cheiron said, “Jason, I have taught you everything I know. Now, it’s time to return to the city and take back your crown.”

“Thank you,” Jason replied.

On his way back, Jason saw an old lady trying to cross a river.

“May I help you?” he asked.

“I need help crossing the river,” she said.

Jason picked her up and carried her across the river. “Thank you so much,” said the old lady.

“It was a pleasure to help you, but I seem to have lost one of my sandals,” Jason said.

Jason continued his journey and finally reached the palace. He marched up to Pelias.

“Pelias, I have come to take my rightful place as king,” Jason declared.

Pelias looked down and saw Jason wearing only one sandal. He remembered the Oracle’s warning and felt afraid. Thinking quickly, he said, “Oh, Jason, how lovely to see you. You are the true and rightful king. I was just keeping the crown warm for you. But first, you must complete a task to prove yourself. Bring back the Golden Fleece.”

“Of course, I will bring back the Golden Fleece,” Jason replied.

Jason wandered through the forest, wondering where to start.

Hera, the goddess, appeared. “I’m the old woman you helped at the river. Now I can help you,” she said.

“How?” asked Jason.

“Ask your friend Orpheus for help. Then build a ship called the Argo and gather your crew; you shall call them the Argonauts,” Hera advised.

Eventually, the ship was built, and Jason and the Argonauts set sail. They sailed for many days and came across King Phineas, who was blind.

“Welcome, Jason and the Argonauts. Are you hungry?” King Phineas asked.

“Yes, we are,” they replied.

“I would love to offer you some food, but every time I make some, winged women called the Harpies swoop down and steal it, leaving me with only crumbs,” King Phineas explained.

“Perhaps we can help each other. If I rid you of the Harpies, will you tell me where the Golden Fleece is?” Jason asked.

“It’s a deal,” King Phineas agreed.

Just as the meal was cooked, the Harpies swooped down to grab it. Jason and the Argonauts chased them away. Jason placed his hand over King Phineas’s eyes.

“I can see! My blindness is cured,” King Phineas exclaimed.

“Now, you will never have to worry about the Harpies stealing your food again,” Jason said.

“Take this map. It shows you how to get to the land of the Golden Fleece. Be careful of the clashing rocks,” King Phineas warned.

With the map in hand, Jason and the Argonauts continued their quest, ready for the next part of their adventure to find the Golden Fleece and reclaim Jason’s rightful throne.