APSYRTUS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Apsyrtus was the tragic brother of the sorceress Medea in Greek mythology. Apsyrtus is now most famous for the manner of his death.
Apsyrtus Son of Aeetes
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Apsyrtus was the son and heir of King Aeetes of Colchis, and thus grandson of the god Helios.
The mother of Apsyrtus is named as the Naiad Idyia, the Oceanid Asterodeia, Ipsia or goddess Hecate, depending on the ancient source being read. Apsyrtus is also known as Absyrtus and Aegialeus in ancient texts. |
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Aside from Medea, Apsyrtus was also brother to Chalciope, the princess who had married Phrixus. Apsyrtus and Chalciope are often portrayed as the loyal members of Aeetes family, as opposed to the betrayal offered by Medea.
Apsyrtus was favoured by his father and lived in his own golden palace next door to his father’s.
Apsyrtus was favoured by his father and lived in his own golden palace next door to his father’s.
The Death of Apsyrtus
The story of Apsyrtus is intertwined with that of Jason and the Argonauts, for the story of Apsyrtus emerges with Jason, with Medea’s help, stealing the Golden Fleece from the sacred grove of Ares.
In some variations of the Apsyrtus myth, the son of Aeetes, is still a child, and is effectively kidnapped by Medea, when she, Jason and the Argonauts flee Colchis with the Golden Fleece in their possession.
Aeetes leads the Colchian fleet in pursuit of the Argo, and when it comes clear that the Argo would be overhauled, Medea took her young brother, and cut Apsyrtus into pieces. Medea then threw the body parts into the sea. Aeetes had observed the death of his only son, and he slowed his fleet in order that the body parts of Apsyrtus could be collected.
The retrieval of all the body parts and the need for an appropriate burial, allowed the Argo to escape the pursuit of the Colchian fleet.
In some variations of the Apsyrtus myth, the son of Aeetes, is still a child, and is effectively kidnapped by Medea, when she, Jason and the Argonauts flee Colchis with the Golden Fleece in their possession.
Aeetes leads the Colchian fleet in pursuit of the Argo, and when it comes clear that the Argo would be overhauled, Medea took her young brother, and cut Apsyrtus into pieces. Medea then threw the body parts into the sea. Aeetes had observed the death of his only son, and he slowed his fleet in order that the body parts of Apsyrtus could be collected.
The retrieval of all the body parts and the need for an appropriate burial, allowed the Argo to escape the pursuit of the Colchian fleet.
An Alternative Death for Apsyrtus
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Other tales tell of Apsyrtus being older, and was a Colchian commander. Aeetes would put Apsyrtus in charge of the Colchian navy, and it was thus Apsyrtus who led the pursuit of the Argo.
Heralds from Apsyrtus managed to contact the Argonauts, and demanded the return of Medea and the Golden Fleece, but Jason led the Argo onwards. Apsyrtus proved himself to be a keen strategist, dividing the Colchian fleet, with part of the fleet making use of the Danube to get ahead. Some tell of Apsyrtus eventually catching up with the Argo at Scheria the land of King Alcinous, but Alcinous refused to give up Jason and Medea. Apsyrtus and the Colchians would then catch up with his sister near the Brygean islands, islands sacred to the goddess Artemis. Realising that they were cornered, Medea now plotted with Jason. A messenger was sent to Apsyrtus, seeking a one-on-one meeting between brother and sister. Apsyrtus, honourably, landed alone on the island, but of course Medea was not alone. Jason and a small number of Argonauts lay in wait, and outside the temple of Artemis, the trap was sprung. Jason would strike Apsyrtus down with his sword. The body of Apsyrtus was then mutilated to prevent a vengeful ghost from causing any difficulties for Jason. Jason, Medea and the Argonauts then fled. |
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The next day the Colchians came looking for Apsyrtus, and were horrified by the sight that they saw. Some would gather the body parts of Apsyrtus and return to Colchis where the son of Aeetes could receive a fitting burial. Jason and Medea themselves would have to seek absolution for their crime from Circe.
Others though, fearful of the reaction of Aeetes decided against returning to Colchis, and instead settled in other areas. Places were then named after Apsyrtus, including the Absyrtian Cape and the islands known as the Absyrtides.
Others though, fearful of the reaction of Aeetes decided against returning to Colchis, and instead settled in other areas. Places were then named after Apsyrtus, including the Absyrtian Cape and the islands known as the Absyrtides.
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Colin Quartermain - Apsyrtus - 9th May 2026