Earlier this week a new book based on Greek myths came out: Medea by Rosie Hewlett. Medea’s tale is one of the most powerful and enduring in Greek mythology. Her story is a complex web of love, betrayal, revenge, and the struggle for power. She was the daughter of King Aeetes of Colchis, a kingdom on the Black Sea’s eastern shore. She was a sorceress, often associated with the goddess Hecate, and played a pivotal role in the saga of Jason and the Argonauts.

Medea meets Jason & the Argonauts

The story begins when Jason arrives in Colchis to claim the Golden Fleece, a symbol of kingship and authority, which he needed to reclaim his throne in Iolcus. Medea falls deeply in love with Jason and agrees to help him on the condition that he marries her. With her magical knowledge, she aids Jason in completing the nearly impossible tasks set by her father to obtain the fleece. These tasks include yoking fire-breathing oxen, sowing dragon’s teeth, and overcoming a sleepless dragon guarding the fleece.

After securing the fleece, Jason and Medea flee, pursued by Aeetes. In a gruesome act to delay her father, Medea kills her brother Absyrtus, dismembering him and scattering his body parts in the sea. This act forces Aeetes to pause and collect the pieces of his son, allowing the couple to escape.

Medea’s revenge

Upon returning to Iolcus, Medea continues to use her sorcery to manipulate events, including rejuvenating Jason’s aging father, Aeson, and tricking the daughters of King Pelias into killing their father, thus securing Jason’s throne. However, the couple’s fortunes change when they settle in Corinth. Jason abandons Medea for the daughter of King Creon, leading to Medea’s most infamous act: the murder of her own children and Jason’s new bride as an act of revenge.

Medea’s story in various forms

Medea’s story has been retold in various forms throughout history, most notably in Euripides’ tragedy “Medea,” which focuses on her betrayal by Jason and the subsequent revenge she takes upon him. The play is a study of injustice and ruthless revenge, showcasing Medea as a woman scorned, whose intelligence and power are matched only by her capacity for vengeance.

The myth of Medea has also been adapted into several films, with one of the most famous being Pier Paolo Pasolini’s 1969 film “Medea,” starring the renowned opera singer Maria Callas in her only film role. Pasolini’s adaptation is a faithful portrayal of the myth and Euripides’ play, capturing the raw emotions and tragic events that define Medea’s story.

Other notable film adaptations include “Medea” (1988), directed by Lars von Trier, which presents a minimalist and modern interpretation of the myth, and “A Dream of Passion” (1978), directed by Jules Dassin, which is a modern reimagining of Euripides’ play, exploring the themes of Medea’s story in a contemporary setting.

Medea’s legacy

Medea’s narrative is a timeless exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of love, power, betrayal, and revenge. Her story has been interpreted in countless ways, reflecting the changing attitudes and values of society over time. Whether on stage or screen, Medea remains a fascinating and complex character, whose actions continue to provoke thought and emotion in audiences around the world.

In conclusion, the story of Medea is a rich tapestry of mythological motifs and human emotions that has been explored in literature and cinema for centuries. Her tale is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and its ability to capture the complexities of the human experience. As we continue to revisit and reinterpret Medea’s story, we find new meanings and relevance in her actions, making her one of the most compelling figures in classical mythology. Below you will find the full movie of Lars Von Trier’s Medea, but you need to go to YouTube to watch it: