The Golden Fleece: A Crossword Clue That’s No Myth
This week’s crossword clue has me scratching my head, and it’s got nothing to do with a mythical ram! “Source of the Golden Fleece” is a tricky one, leading us down a path of ancient Greek legends and heroic quests. But, as crossword solvers, we know the answer is more than just a storybook tale. It’s a real-world answer, a geographical location that holds a significant place in Greek mythology.
So, let’s dig into the history and symbolism of the Golden Fleece, and see if we can unlock the key to this crossword clue.
The Golden Fleece is a legendary artifact, a fleece of gold that was said to be the skin of the ram, Chrysomallus. According to Greek mythology, this golden fleece was given to the king of Colchis, Aeetes, by the god Hermes. It was a symbol of power and prosperity, a coveted prize that attracted the attention of many heroes.
One of the most famous stories involving the Golden Fleece is the tale of Jason and the Argonauts. Jason, the hero of the story, and his band of Argonauts, embarked on a perilous journey to retrieve the Golden Fleece from Colchis. This journey was fraught with dangers, from treacherous seas to monstrous creatures, but Jason and his crew persevered, eventually claiming the Golden Fleece and returning to their homeland.
But, let’s get back to the crossword clue. “Source of the Golden Fleece” isn’t asking for a specific character or event. It’s asking for a location. This means we need to shift our focus from the mythical story of Jason and the Argonauts to the geographical location of Colchis.
This ancient kingdom, situated on the eastern shores of the Black Sea, played a vital role in the myths and legends surrounding the Golden Fleece. It was here that the fleece was kept, guarded by Aeetes and his formidable army. It was in Colchis that Jason’s heroic journey culminated, and the Golden Fleece was ultimately claimed.
So, while the Golden Fleece itself is a mythical object, its source – Colchis – is a real place, a place that existed and played a significant role in ancient history. It’s this geographical connection that we need to unlock to solve the crossword clue.
Remember, crossword clues often rely on double meanings and wordplay. The answer might be a place that shares a name with Colchis, or a geographical feature associated with this ancient kingdom. Let’s think outside the box and see if we can uncover the hidden answer within the layers of Greek mythology and historical geography.
Available Answers:
RAM.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 22 Aug 24, Thursday