The old woman encountered beside the Anaurus (to the north-east of Iolcus) is a deliberately ambiguous character.

She is first encountered by Pelias and Neleus as they approach Iolcus . Later the same old woman is helped across the River Anaurus by Jason. In the myth this old woman is usually referred to as the goddess Hera in disguise, hence the old woman's interest in the observance of Hera inIolcus. However, I have deliberately left it vague about her identity because I wish to keep the realm of the gods somewhat removed from Jason and his fellow mortals.