Medea

views updated

Medea in Greek mythology, princess of Colchis and a sorceress, traditionally with a knowledge of poisons. She helped Jason to obtain the Golden Fleece from her father Aeetes, and married him; assisting the Argonauts to escape from Colchis, she murdered her younger brother. When Jason deserted her for Creusa, the daughter of King Creon of Corinth, she took revenge by killing Creon, Creusa, and her own children, and fled to Athens. She is taken as the type of a vengeful and ruthless woman.

More From encyclopedia.com