The Life and Death of Jason was written by William Morris in 1867, originally as a story to be a component of The Earthly Paradise, the finished poem grew much too long for its original placement and became a solo work. This Kelsmcott Press version was published by Morris in 1895, with illustations by Edward Burme Jones. The poem retells the ancient story of Jason, and sets it in Medieval times. Jason was the son of the rightful king of Iolcos and nephew of the usurper Pelias, who challenged him to recover the Golden Fleece (made from the golden wool of a winged ram). Jason commissioned a ship, the Argo, and enlisted an array of other heroes as his crew, known as the Argonauts. After many adventures, they arrived in the city of Colchis ruled by King Aeetes, whose daughter was the sorceress Medea. To win the Golden Fleece from Aeetes, Jason had to yoke two fire-breathing bulls, plough a field and sow it with dragon’s teeth. He completed the tasks with the help of Medea, who had fallen in love with him, and they made their escape with the fleece. They returned to Iolcos, defeated Pelias and Jason was restored to his rightful position as king.
