The Argonautica (ePub)

Apollonius Rhodius, also known as Apollonius of Rhodes, was a Hellenistic poet and scholar who is primarily known for his epic poem 'The Argonautica.' Written in the 3rd century BCE, this work of literature recounts the mythological tale of Jason and the Argonauts in their quest to fetch the Golden Fleece. 'The Argonautica' stands in contrast to the style of Homer, as it is marked by its learned Alexandrian background, complex narrative structure, and sophisticated psychology of characters. Apollonius served as the librarian at the Library of Alexandria, and his scholarship is evident in the intertextuality and literary allusions present within his poem. 'The Argonautica' was initially criticized by his contemporaries for its erudition and lack of Homeric simplicity but has since been recognized for its influence on later epic poets, such as Virgil in his 'Aeneid.' Apollonius's version of the Argonaut saga is notable for its romantic elements, particularly in the portrayal of the relationship between Jason and the sorceress Medea, a narrative innovation that shaped the development of the epic love story in Western literature. Despite the paucity of biographical information, Apollonius Rhodius's literary contributions mark him as a significant figure in the cannon of ancient Greek literature.