Herakles and Other Heroes
On this red figure calyx krater by the Niobid Painter (c. 460 B.C.) Herakles is shown talking with Jason as the Argonauts are about to embark on their journey for the Golden Fleece. As usual, Herakles is pictured naked except for his lion skin, holding a club in his right hand and his famous bow in his left hand. Athena, wearing her helmet and aegis and holding a spear, stands just behind Jason.
Herakles did not play a big role in this adventure. He was left by the other argonauts at Cios (in Mysia, Asia Minor) while he searched for his companion, a youth named Hylas. Hylas had been pulled into a local spring by the water nymphs who admired his beauty and drowned. Herakles later set up a cult to the young man.
