Golden Fleece

In Greek mythology, the Golden Fleece (Ancient Greek: Χρυσόμαλλον δέρας, romanized: Khrysómallon déras, lit. 'Golden-haired pelt') refers to the fleece of Chrysomallos, a golden-woolled, winged ram. This magical creature rescued Phrixus and transported him to Colchis, where Phrixus subsequently sacrificed it to Zeus. Phrixus then presented the fleece to King Aeëtes, who preserved it in a sacred grove. Later, the hero Jason, with assistance from Aeëtes' daughter Medea, would steal this treasure. The Golden Fleece symbolizes authority and kingship.

In the legendary narrative, Jason and his crew of Argonauts embark on a quest for the fleece under the orders of King Pelias. Their mission aims to secure Jason's rightful place on the throne of Iolcus in Thessaly. Through Medea's critical help, they successfully obtain the Golden Fleece. This tale is of considerable antiquity, dating back to Homer's time (eighth century BC), and has survived in various forms with differing details.

Today, heraldic variations of the Golden Fleece appear frequently in Georgia, particularly in coats of arms and flags associated with Western Georgian (Historical Colchis) municipalities and cities. These include the coat of arms of Kutaisi, the ancient capital city of Colchis.