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Aries: The Greek Myth Behind Your Sign

Aries the Ram and the Greek myth behind it.

Jackie Montalvo

Feb 23, 2016

Northwestern University

311

Jackie Montalvo

March 21 - April 19

The myth behind the constellation of Aries the Ram is often confused with the story of Ares (god of war), the brother of Athena (goddess of war).

Aries the Ram is a story about Jason and the Argonauts who went on a quest to find the golden fleece of Aries and prove his worthiness in order to claim the throne of Thessaly.

The mythology begins with Nephele gifting the golden ram to her husband, the King of Athamus, Boetia. When he takes a second wife, Ino, she was extremely jealous of his existing children, especially his son Phrixus, and she wanted them killed.

In order to keep her kids safe, Nephele sent them away on the back of the magical ram, who whisked them away to the east. Helle fell off into Hellespont between the Aegean Sea and the Sea of Marmara and Phrixus safely made it to the shore of the Black Sea. To give thanks for his safe return, Phrixus sacrificed the ram to Zeus and gave its golden fleece to King Aeetes. He eventually married the King's daughter and remained in exile for the rest of his life.

The fleece was eventually stolen by Jason and he took the throne because the King had accepted his offer, thinking that he would die in pursuit of the fleece.

The constellation of Aries represents this magical ram in the night sky and it is considered the first of the 12 signs.

Check out the stories behind the other astrological signs:

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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