Intellectual Characters in the Works of Apollonius of Rhodes

Abstract

‘Argonautica’ by Apollonius of Rhodes is the most perfect poetic work based on the myth of argonauts. We see intellectual characters whose intellectual abilities amaze the readers. Medea, a beautiful Kolchi woman is clever and bright, persistent and patient. The word ‘Medea’ means ‘a wise woman’ in Greek. Greek people respected her very much, they built temples for her, devoted verses to her. It is very interesting how Medea managed to gain this wisdom, what kind of education had he attained and what fostered her refined personality.

 ‘Argonautica’ represents a number of moments connected with Georgian medicine and Kolchi is described as the country where medicine in in its peak and medical activities are based on new research and discovery, experiments, detecting treating effects of the plants, observing poisons and remedies. Medea is represented as a woman who is highly aware of medical arts. Notions such as ‘rejuvenation’ and ‘donating blood’ is connected to her name. Medea’s art is supernatural. He can make miraculous medicines. On of the most popular of her medicines is called ‘the medicine of Prometheus’. Nowadays the name Medea is associated with medical activity called ‘Cura Mediana’, which also implies that the country, where these ideas were born, undoubtedly medical activities were advanced and flourished. Argonauts show teamwork skills. This is revealed from arranging the ship to the end, on all stages of their journey. Argonauts act according the principles of teamwork. There are cases when they make decisions unanimously, but if there is diversity in their opinions, they apply to the poll.

Argonauts also manage to share their job which make the teamwork more effective; Heracles ordered his friends conduct the ritual of sacrifice and he would go to the forest to do some job.  Without argonauts Jason couldn’t come to the wise decision They always provide him with witty ideas. Jason’s character is suddenly discovered, when he first appeared and tries to soothe Medea’s grief and says comforting words. His tactics and diplomacy are features of an easy-going person: his purpose is reached by certain manipulations. Throughout the poem Jason’s speaking style is emphasized. ‘He defeated her by wise words.’ He is well acquainted with logics. He tries, using logical speech, persuade the team-mates and prove them that his opinion is right. He tries to solve the problems by discussion.  ‘Argo’ members are characterized  by different skills. Orpheus calms down the heroes by his majestic songs. Tiphis could extrapolate the weather forecast. Melanpus could speak the language of the birds. Idmon is distinguished by a strange ability: he can foretell the fortune by the way the birds fly. Vigorous Polidevces is incompatible in horse-riding. Linceus can extrapolate the future by his sight. Aegres’ famous son entertains the heroes with the sweet songs accompanied by the cithara.