Worst marriage ever! The story of Jason and Medea

This episode of CBC's Ideas explores the ancient Greek myth of Jason and Medea not as a simple adventure tale, but as a harrowing story of betrayal, revenge, and the collapse of a marriage that has become legendary for its emotional devastation. The documentary, 'Worst Marriage Ever,' traces the journey from Jason's quest for the Golden Fleece—aided by the enchantress Medea—to their return to Corinth, where Jason abandons her for a political marriage. Medea, a powerful and intelligent woman who sacrificed her homeland and family for Jason, is cast aside and exiled. Her response—murdering her own children to inflict the ultimate pain on Jason—transforms the myth into a profound exploration of female agency, honor, and the psychological toll of betrayal. The episode draws connections between the ancient tragedy and modern parallels, including Maria Callas’s life and her identification with Medea, as well as real-world cases of filicide, illustrating how Euripides’ play continues to resonate across millennia. It examines the myth’s enduring power in art, psychology, and cultural memory, revealing how stories of love, loss, and vengeance remain central to understanding human nature.