[split] The Golden Fleece and the two VM creatures

[Linda]

A more widespread interpretation relates the myth of the fleece to a method of washing gold from streams, which was well attested (but only from c. 5th century BC) in the region of You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. to the east of the Black Sea. Sheep fleeces, sometimes stretched over a wooden frame, would be submerged in the stream, and You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. flecks borne down from upstream You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. deposits would collect in them. The fleeces would be hung in trees to dry before the gold was shaken or combed out. Alternatively, the fleeces would be used on washing tables in You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. of gold or on washing tables at deep You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view..You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. Judging by the very early gold objects from a range of cultures, washing for gold is a very old human activity.
You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. describes the way in which gold could be washed:
"It is said that in their country gold is carried down by the mountain torrents, and that the barbarians obtain it by means of perforated troughs and fleecy skins, and that this is the origin of the myth of the golden fleece—unless they call them You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view., by the same name as the You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view., from the gold mines in both countries."


This is one of the reasons i equate fleece with mountains.