Alcimede
Noble Thessalian woman and mother of Jason, leader of the Argonauts
The Legend of Alcimede
Alcimede was a noblewoman of Iolcus in Thessaly, daughter of Phylacus or Clymene depending on the source. She married Aeson, the rightful king of Iolcus who had been deposed by his half-brother Pelias. When Pelias seized the throne, Alcimede feared for the life of her infant son Jason and smuggled him away to be raised by the centaur Chiron on Mount Pelion. In some traditions, when Pelias later forced Aeson to drink poison, Alcimede cursed the usurper and took her own life rather than submit to his tyranny. Other accounts say she survived to see Jason return with the Golden Fleece. Her courage in protecting Jason ensured the survival of the hero who would lead the most famous sea voyage in Greek mythology.
Parents
Phylacus (or Clymene)
Children
Jason
Symbols
Fun Fact
Alcimede's decision to send her infant son to Chiron preserved the hero who would lead the Argonautic expedition
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