Episode 14: The Man with One Sandal
In this episode we focus on the figure of Jason, the leader of the Argonauts, whose life was bound up with king Pelias through an oracle that the latter should “beware the man with one sandal.” We explore the ancient stories around Jason leading up to his voyage eastward to retrieve the Golden Fleece. Our story begins not with an ancient story, but with a piece of artwork that hints at the story. See if you can spot the single clue that unlocks the myth for the viewer!
Wall Painting from the House of Jason (Casa di Giasone) in Pompeii.
The king, Pelias (center, top), is related to Jason (bottom, right) through the latter’s grandmother, Tyro, who is mother of Pelias and Jason’s father Aeson—but by different men/gods. A full genealogy is given below to follow the sometimes complicated relationships between mythical figures!
Alcestis you might remember is the woman who died for her husband, Admetos, and was featured in episode 2 (final segment). Salmoneus, for his part, will get himself thunderbolted for pretending he’s Zeus. So, this is quite the family!
Written and Directed by R. Scott Smith
Sound Engineer: Samantha Coetzee
Voice Actors: Julia Sommer and A. J. O’Neil
Music: Jared Sims (check out his new album, Analogy of the Sun, inspired, in part, by Plato!)
Original Artwork by Allina Podgurski