Hercules joined Jason's expedition aboard the Argo but ultimately left the journey in Mysia after his companion, Hylas, was abducted by nymphs. He remained behind to search for Hylas while the Argonauts, impatient to continue their quest, sailed on without him.
The Journey with the Argonauts
Hercules, a hero renowned for his strength, was a significant member of the Argonauts' crew, joining Jason on his perilous quest for the Golden Fleece. His presence provided formidable power to the expedition as they embarked on their journey.
The Incident in Mysia: Hylas's Abduction
The turning point for Hercules' involvement came during the Argonauts' stop in Mysia. While there, his beloved companion, Hylas, went to fetch water. As Hylas dipped his pitcher into a spring, the water nymphs, captivated by his beauty, pulled him into the water, abducting him.
Hercules's Search and the Argonauts' Departure
Distraught by Hylas's disappearance, Hercules immediately began a fervent search for him. He scoured the land, desperate to find his companion. Meanwhile, the rest of the Argonauts grew restless. Impatient to continue their vital mission to retrieve the Golden Fleece, they made the difficult decision to set sail from Mysia without Hercules, leaving him behind to pursue his search.
Hylas's Choice to Remain
Hercules eventually located Hylas, but by that time, Hylas had become hopelessly enamored with the nymphs and the enchanting world beneath the water. He had chosen to remain with them willingly, signaling the definitive end of Hercules's participation in the Argonautic expedition.
Summary of Hercules' Departure from the Argonauts
| Stage of Departure | Description | Key Figures Involved | Outcome for Hercules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joining | Hercules joins the Argonauts on their quest for the Golden Fleece. | Hercules, Jason, Argonauts | Initial participation in expedition. |
| Incident | Hylas, Hercules' companion, is abducted by water nymphs in Mysia while fetching water. | Hercules, Hylas, Water Nymphs | Hercules begins searching for Hylas. |
| Abandonment | Hercules extensively searches for Hylas, but the Argonauts, impatient, sail away without him. | Hercules, Argonauts | Left behind by the expedition. |
| Hylas's Choice | Hercules eventually finds Hylas, but Hylas has fallen in love with the nymphs and chooses to stay with them. | Hercules, Hylas, Water Nymphs | Hercules permanently separates from the Argonauts' quest. |
