Book 3 opens with a call to the muse Erato, who has “a share of Cyprus’ power” (66). As the Argonauts wait out of sight, Hera asks Athena for a plan, then suggests they ask for Aphrodite’s help. In Aphrodite’s chamber, Hera expresses her fondness for Jason, since he once helped her cross a flooded stream when she appeared in the guise of a helpless elderly woman. Hera asks Aphrodite to instruct Eros to shoot Medea with an arrow so that she will fall in love with and help Jason. Aphrodite complains that Eros does not listen to her, prompting Hera and Athena to smile and exchange a glance. Aphrodite is hurt by them but agrees to appeal to Eros.

Aphrodite finds him playing with Ganymede. She promises Eros a ball that once belonged to Zeus when he was a little boy in exchange for shooting Medea with one of his arrows. Eros wants the toy immediately, but Aphrodite says he must complete his task first. He grabs his bow and quiver and sets off. Meanwhile, Jason tells the Argonauts that he wants to at least try to win over Aietes with a rational argument before resorting to violence.