The Argonauts in Slovenian Literature for Children and Youth

Abstract

Ljubljana has been associated with literature since its beginning. The foundation of the city Emona, for example, which – according to myth – dates back to the 13th  century BC, is associated with the myth of the Argonauts, Jason and the Golden Fleece. In the process of literary reception, the ancient myth evolved into the fairy tale type ATU 513A, according to H.-J. Uther’s motif index of fairy tales. The motif of the Golden Fleece became a symbol of mythic search beyond time and space in Slovenian literature, including children’s literature: in the picture books by Dane Zajc and Miroslav Šuput: The Argonauts (Argonavti), Anton Komat: The Lake Fairy (Vila Jezerka), Desa Muck: The Giant Hen (Kokoš velikanka), Andreja Peklar: The Boy with the Red Cap (Fant z rdečo kapico). It is used with different meanings and in combination with various mythic, fabulous and realistic animal symbols.