The story of Phaethon and the Sun (from Ovid's Metamorphoses) though often confused with the story of Icarus, is very different, although both have the themes of fathers and the folly of thinking too much of yourself.
Notes:
- Since the story does technically start right at the end of another, it has a smooth transition from one main character to another.
- There's lots of declaring, from feelings to truths and on.
- Also lots of description of things, such as the palace of the Sun.
- As with everything else in Greek/Roman mythology, all the nouns are personified (such as the Hours, Day, Month, etc.)
- Everything is all very poetic and about upholding honor and promises
- And of course, the danger of making a promise you can't keep (Apollo saying he'll do anything to show Phaethon that he is his father, then Phaethon making a suicidal request)
- And of course, the arrogance that just because of one's parentage, you can do the same things they did (or just the dangers of being arrogant in general).
- Again, more poetic descriptions and warnings, etc, etc.
- And of course, Dad gives into his son's demand because he can't break a promise
And so off Phaethon goes on the chariot that is drawn by the flaming horses. What could go wrong? (Source: Vanessa Leung)
No comments:
Post a Comment