Jason leads a band of heroes on a perilous maritime expedition to retrieve the Golden Fleece, an object of immense power and divine significance. Tasked by King Pelias to secure the artifact, Jason assembles the Argonauts to navigate the treacherous waters of the ancient world. He faces opposition from hostile monarchs, lethal natural phenomena, and the unpredictable whims of the Olympian gods. The narrative follows the crew's progress through a series of episodic encounters, culminating in the complex psychological development of Jason and the sorceress Medea.

Readers and critics frequently analyze the work as a bridge between the Homeric tradition and the more introspective literature of late antiquity. Discussion often centers on the portrayal of Jason, who is frequently viewed as a departure from the traditional, infallible hero archetype. Scholars highlight the sophisticated psychological depth given to Medea, noting how her internal conflict drives much of the narrative tension. The text is often praised for its intricate world-building and its ability to maintain a sense of wonder despite the characters' frequent vulnerability to divine forces. Many readers find the poem's focus on human ignorance and the limits of heroism to be a compelling aspect of the reading experience.