A red-figure krater depicting the Argonauts and Hercules who joined Jason in his quest for the Golden Fleece. 4650-450 BCE. (Louvre Museum, Paris)

Hercules joined the crew of the Argo on Jason's quest for the Golden Fleece — easily the strongest man aboard. He was left behind at Mysia, searching for his companion Hylas who had been taken by water nymphs, and the Argo sailed on without him.