| Khalkotauroi | |
|---|---|
 | |
|
Other Names |
Colchis Bulls |
|
First Appearance |
Greek Myth |
|
Created by |
Unknown |
Origin[]
Khalkotauroi, also known as the Colchis Bulls, are mythical creatures that appear in the Greek myth of Jason and the Golden Fleece.
The Khalkotauroi are two immense bulls with bronze hooves and bronze mouths through which they breathe fire. In the Argonautica, Jason is promised the prized fleece by King Aeetes if he can first yoke the Khalkotauroi and use them to plough a field. The field is then to be sown with dragon's teeth.
Jason survives the burning flames of the bronze bulls by rubbing on his body a magical potion that protects him from the heat. The potion has been provided by Medea, King Aeetes' own daughter, who has fallen in love with Jason.
The Khalkotauroi were a gift to King Aeetes from the Greek gods' blacksmith, Hephaestus.
Public Domain Appearances[]
All published appearances of Khalkotauroi from before January 1, 1931 are public domain in the US.
Some notable appearances are listed below:
Public Domain Literary Appearances[]
- The Library
- The Argonautica
- The Library of History
- Imagines
- Dionysiaca
- Fabulae
- Metamorphoses
- Heroides
- Elegies
- Medea
- The Suda