Why did Pelius hope and expect that this adventure would cost Jason his life?

Jason is the son of Aeson, Pelias's half-brother. When Pelias came to power he imprisoned Aeson in a dungeon. As with all Aeson's children, Jason is a potential threat to Pelias's throne. It's not surprising, then, that Pelias wants him out of the way. But at the same time, Pelias is scared of Jason and dare not take him on directly. So he asks Jason what he would do if confronted by the man who will bring about his own downfall. Jason answers that he would send him on a quest for the Golden Fleece, knowing full well just how dangerous and virtually impossible a task this would be. After all, the Fleece is guarded around the clock by a fearsome dragon. Pelias seizes his chance and sends Jason off to retrieve the Golden Fleece, in the firm belief that he'll never come back alive. With Jason out of the way, Pelias is certain that his throne is safe. He couldn't be more wrong.

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