The first half sums up the story of Jason and the Argonauts as they travel to Medea's foreign land in search of the golden fleece. In fitting with the soundtrack (which features Iranian classic music, Japanese traditional music and other folklore pieces), Pasolini depicts Medea's people as a tribal people who perform rituals and sacrifices to secure their harvests. Their costumes and dances are based on those of Eastern European Mummers such as the Romanian Calusari ceremonies and their counterparts in the Balkans.