Ancient Greek storytellers came up with several versions of the Jason myth but they all shared a central theme. Jason and his heroic warriors must travel across uncharted waters (the modern Black Sea) to secure a golden ram's fleece with mystical powers. Possession of this fleece will enable Jason to regain control of a kingdom his father once ruled. The first tales featuring Jason appeared around 800 BC but they were set 500 years earlier. The most famous version was written by Apollonius of Rhodes, during the 3rd century BC.