Irlandos at 16:27, October 28, 2006

2006-10-28T16:27:28Z

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In [[Greek mythology]], the '''Argo''' was the ship on which [[Jason]] and the [[Argonauts]] sailed from [[Iolcus]] to retrieve the [[Golden Fleece]]. The Argo was built by the shipwright [[Argus|Argos]], and its crew were specially protected by the goddess [[Hera]]. The best source for the myth is the ''[[Argonautica]]'' by [[Apollonius Rhodius]].

According to a variety of sources of the legend, the Argo was said to have been planned or constructed with the help of [[Athena]]. According to other legends it contained in its prow a magical piece of timber from the sacred forest of [[Dodona]], which could speak and render prophecies. After the successful journey, the Argo was consecrated to [[Poseidon]] in the [[Isthmus of Corinth]]. It was then translated into the sky and turned into the constellation of Argo Navis.

Several authors of antiquity ([[Apollonius Rhodius]], Pliny, [[Philostephanus]]) discussed the hypothetical shape of the ship. Generally it was imagined like a Greek warship, a galley, and authors hypothesized that it was the first ship of this type that had gone out on a high-sea voyage.

==Etymology==
Ancient authors were divided about the origin of the name of the ship. Some ascribed it to the name of the person who built it, [[Argus]], son of [[Phrixus]]; others to the [[Greek language|Greek]] word αργός, as being a light sailer; others to the city of [[Argos]], where they suppose it built.

==External links==
*[http://www.volos-city.gr/Images/argo1.jpg Artist's rendering of the Argo]
*[http://www.volos-city.gr/Images/2.jpg Argo's voyage]
*[http://edition.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/04/23/greece.argo.ap/ News article about restoration attempt]

{{Credit wikipedia}}

[[Category:Greek mythology]]

Argo - Revision history

Irlandos at 16:27, October 28, 2006