Term 2 - Lec 10 (Phaethon and Daedalus) Flashcards
1
Q
What is the literal translation of Phaethon?
A
shining guy
2
Q
What is the story of Phaethon about?
A
- the failed transition from boy to man (he takes risks from which he’s not prepared)
- due to mixed parenthood and anxiety about his identity + paternity
3
Q
Which play tells th story of Phaethon?
A
- Ovid’s Metamorphoses
4
Q
Who are Phaethon’s parents?
A
Clymene + Helios
5
Q
Describe the story of Phaethon
A
- Phaethon doesn’t believe Helios is his father
- wanting confirmation, he asks Helios to grant him any favour
- asks to drive Helios’ chariot
- Helios is bound by oath therefore agrees
- Phaethon can’t keep horses on track (young, inexperienced)
- chariot goes too close to earth, people start dying, Zeus kills him with lightning bolt to prevent destruction
6
Q
What happens after Phaethon’s death?
A
catasterization –> Auriga ‘the Charioteer’
7
Q
Who is Daedalus?
A
- Athenian inventor in Crete
8
Q
Who was Icarus?
A
Daedalus’ son
9
Q
What is the story of Daedalus and Icarus?
A
- both were imprisoned by Minos and heavily guarded
- Daedalus’ made wings with feathers fastened with wax for them both
- warned Icarus not to go too high but he didn’t listen
- Icarus went towards the sun which melted the wax, he fell into the sea
10
Q
What is the etiological component to the Fall of Icarus’ story?
A
Icarian sea
11
Q
Who is Phaethon similar to?
A
Semele
- Zeus’ lover who wanted to see what he looked like and got burned by his true image
