The Argonauts' first adventure occurs on Lemnos, where the women, led by Queen Hypsipyle, have (with one exception) killed all their menfolk along with their Thracian concubines and children.

1. Which goddess' actions led the Lemnian women to do this?
2. Once the Argonauts arrive, what happens?
3. Which hero doesn't get involved with what's going on?
4. Why do you think Apollonius makes this the first of the Argonauts' adventures?

A. Hera; they greet the Argonauts warmly; Hercules; for dramatic effect
B. Aphrodite; they attack the Argonauts; Jason; to establish the theme of betrayal
C. Artemis; they offer hospitality to the Argonauts; Perseus; to showcase the power of female rulers
D. Athena; they plot against the Argonauts; Theseus; to emphasize the importance of loyalty

The Lemnian women's actions in "The Argonautica" by Apollonius of Rhodes, were influenced by the goddess Aphrodite. Hercules didn't participate in the events with the women. Apollonius likely chose this adventure to establish the theme of betrayal. So the correct option is b.

Explanation:

The Lemnian women's actions were influenced by the goddess Aphrodite. Hercules didn't participate in the events with the women. Apollonius likely chose this adventure to establish the theme of betrayal.

Aphrodite was the goddess whose actions led the Lemnian women to commit the violent act against their men. When the Argonauts arrived on Lemnos, the women, after initial wariness, eventually welcomed them warmly. Hercules was the hero who chose not to get involved with what was going on with the Lemnian women. Apollonius likely makes this the first of the Argonauts' adventures to establish the theme of betrayal (option b).