In Greek mythology, the Golden Fleece (Greek: χρυσόμαλλον δέρας chrysómallon déras) is the fleece of the gold-haired[a] winged ram, which was held in Colchis.[1] The fleece is a symbol of authority and kingship.
The Douris cup, depicting Jason being regurgitated by the dragon protecting the fleece
Jason attempts to put the serpent guarding the golden fleece to sleep. The snake is coiled around a column at the base of which is a ram and on top of which is a bird.
The following are the chief among the various interpretations of the fleece, with notes on sources and major critical discussions:
It represents royal power.[9][10][11][12][13]
It represents the flayed skin of Krios ('Ram'), companion of Phrixus.[14]
It represents a book on alchemy.[15][16]
It represents a technique of writing in gold on parchment.[17]
It represents a form of placer mining practiced in Georgia, for example.[18][19][20][21][22][23]
It represents the forgiveness of God.[24][25]
It represents a rain cloud.[26][27]
It represents a land of golden grain.[27][28]
It represents the spring-hero.[27][29]
It represents the sea reflecting the sun.[27][30][31]
It represents the gilded prow of Phrixus' ship.[27][32]
It represents a breed of sheep in ancient Georgia.[33][34][35]
It represents the riches imported from the East.[36]
It represents the wealth or technology of Colchis.[37][38][39]
It was a covering for a cult image of Zeus in the form of a ram.[40]
It represents a fabric woven from sea silk.[41][42][43]
It is about a voyage from Greece, through the Mediterranean, across the Atlantic to the Americas.[44]
It represents trading fleece dyed murex-purple for Georgian gold.[45]