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Jason

The son of Æson, Jason was brought up by Cheiron the Centaur. As a young man he returned to his home of Iolcus demanding that Pelias, his half uncle returned the kingdom to Æson, its rightful ruler. Pelias sent Jason to Colchis to get the Golden Fleece, the skin of the ram which Phrixus and Helle escaped on.

Jason and the Argonauts set out, having many adventures on the way. Eventually he returned to Iolcus with the fleece and Medea a sorceress, only to find that Pelias had persuaded Æson to take his own life, although Ovid says that he was restored by Medea. In revenge Medea persuaded Pelias' daughters to cut their father up and boil him, claiming this would make him young again. Pelias' son Acastus was horrified at the murder and expelled Jason and Medea.

Jason and Medea lived happily in Corinth for many years until Jason left Medea for Glauce (also known as Creusa). Medea sent the bride a dress which caught fire when she put it on, killing her and destroying the palace as described in Euripides' Medea. Jason either took his own life, or was killed in an accident on the Argo.

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Jocasta

The daughter of Menoeceis, sister of Creon and wife of Laius, King of Thebes. Their son, Oedipus was exposed on Mount Cithæron when it was prophesied that he would kill his father. However Oedipus was saved and later killed Laius in a quarrel, not knowing that he was actually his father.

Oedipus then travelled to Thebes where he solved the Sphinx's riddle and married Jocasta. They had four children together, Eteocles, Polyneices, Antigone and Ismene. When Oedipus' true identity is revealed Jocasta hangs herself, as described by Sophocles in Oedipus the King.

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Juno

The Roman name for Hera.

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Jupiter

The Roman name for Zeus.

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Juventus

The Roman name of Hebe, Zeus' cup-bearer.

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