Science: Jason & the Greasy Fleece

Scientists, who go after everything with a fine-tooth comb, are always taking the fun out of mythology. Now they are currying the Golden Fleece. According to Greek legend, the fleece first belonged to a ram provided by the god Hermes to help two children, Helle and Phryxus, dodge an untrustworthy stepmother. The ram took off through the air with the children on its back. Helle fell off and was drowned (hence the Hellespont, now the Dardanelles), but Phryxus reached the eastern shore of the Black Sea. He ungratefully sacrificed the ram to Zeus and...

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