Jason and the Golden Fleece-Chapter 1-Wicked Uncle Pelias

Long ago in Greece, there lived a boy named Jason. He was supposed to become king of the island Iolcos, but his throne was taken someone else. When he was old enough, he set off to Iolcos to win it back. On the way, Jason carried an old woman across a river. As he waded through, he lost one of his sandals. " Don't worry," said the woman. " If you go on with just one sandal, you'll become a great hero."

Then she disappeared. "How odd," thought Jason. But he did as she said all the same. When he got to Iolcos, his Uncle Pelias was not pleased to see him. The gods had told him that a young man with only one sandal would come to take his throne. " So nephew!" sneered King Pelias. "You think I don't know why you've come? Well, I've a job for you first."

Jason wondered what he'd say. "Bring me the precious Golden Fleece, and the throne is yours!" the king said with an evil smile. Jason gulped. The Golden Fleece was far away in a place known as Colchis. But he agreed. He set to work right away. A man name Argus built him a ship. Then the goddess Athene gave him a magic branch. Jason named his ship the Argo. "Now who shall I take with me?" he wondered. Lots of people wanted to join the voyage. There was Orpheus, who made wonderful music, Antlanta, a beautiful huntress, and Hercules, the strongest man in the world. Before long, Jason had almost fifty people who wanted to go. Then, with a flutter of wings, the North Wind's twin sons arrived. "You're all fantastic! said Jason. "Everyone can come."

Jason called his crew the Argonauts. They all piled onto the Argo for the long voyage. With Athene's magic branch tied on tight, the Argo was ready to go. The gods sent a gust of wind to fill the Argo's sail and the ship lurched forward. Jason and the Argonauts were off.