Definition: Medea -- sometimes known as the witch of Colchis -- helped Jason (of Argonaut fame) secure the Golden Fleece. Medea's actions in this theft betrayed her family, and she may even have killed her brother in the process. Medea then fled with Jason and lived with him as wife. According to the tragedy of Medea, written by Euripides, Medea killed their children when Jason told her he was going to marry someone else.
Medea took refuge in Athens, probably with Aegeus, the father of Theseus. She may have tried to kill Theseus, but at any rate, Medea had to flee once more. Her son, Medeus, fathered by either Theseus or Aegeus, became the eponymous founder of the Medes (Persians).
Also Known As: Medea of Colchis
Common Misspellings: Media, Midea, Midia
