Definition

Noun: 1. In Greek mythology, a fleece of gold: This refers to the fleece of the winged ram Chrysomallos, which was made of gold. It was a central object in the myth of Jason and the Argonauts, who sought to retrieve it from the distant kingdom of Colchis. 2. A valuable prize or goal that is extremely difficult to obtain: By extension, the term is used metaphorically to describe any highly desirable but challenging objective.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Mythological Object):

  • Jason's quest for the Golden Fleece is one of the great adventures of Greek mythology.
  • The dragon was tasked with guarding the Golden Fleece in the sacred grove.

• Noun (Metaphorical Goal):

  • For many researchers, a Nobel Prize is the golden fleece of their career.
  • The startup considered the major investment deal its golden fleece.

Advanced Usage

• "To seek one's golden fleece": To pursue a long and difficult quest for a prized goal.
  • He left his hometown to seek his golden fleece in the big city.
• Capitalization: When referring specifically to the mythological object, it is often capitalized as the Golden Fleece.

Variants and Related Words

• Argonaut (n): One of the heroes who sailed with Jason on the ship to find the Golden Fleece.
• Quest (n): A long or arduous search for something, often used in the context of the Golden Fleece.

Synonyms

• Holy Grail: Another metaphorical term for a sought-after ideal or goal, though originating from Arthurian legend.
• Prize: A reward for victory or superiority.
• Elusive goal: An objective that is difficult to achieve or catch.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• A Herculean task: An idiom for a task requiring great strength or effort, similar to the difficulty of obtaining the Golden Fleece. (Note: This idiom originates from the labors of Hercules, a different mythological hero.)
• A dragon to slay: A metaphor for a major obstacle to overcome, reminiscent of the dragon guarding the fleece.

Noun

1. in Greek mythology, a fleece of gold owned by the king of Colchis and guarded in a sacred grove by a dragon; recovered by Jason and the Argonauts