Phaeton and the Sun Chariot

• Phaeton and the Sun Chariot is a story from Greek Mythology.
• In the story, Phaeton attempts to drive the Chariot of the Sun, but is unable to control the horses. This forces Zeus to intervene, whereupon Phaeton falls out and is killed.

The Myth

• Phaeton wants proof his father is Helios
  • In Greek Mythology, Phaeton’s father was the son of the Sun God Helios and his mother was Clymene.
  • Phaeton was challenged by his friends, one of whom was the King of Egypt, to prove he was the son of Helios.
  • When he asked his mother for proof, she told him to consult his father.
  • When Phaeton asked Helios for proof that he was his father, Helios told him he would grant him whatever he wished for. But when Phaeton asked to steer the Sun Chariot across the sky, Helios had to point out that even Zeus was unable to handle the horses that pulled the sun chariot.
• Phaeton tries to steer the Sun Chariot
  • Undeterred, Phaeton insisted on climbing into the chariot and setting off.
  • As soon as he did he lost control of the horses, and they climbed so high that the earth was frozen.
  • When he finally made them alter course, the horses swung so low, it threatened to consume the Earth by fire.
• Zeus intercedes
  • At this point, Zeus became concerned and intervened, throwing a thunderbolt at the chariot.
  • Phaeton fell to Earth and was killed.
• Cygnus
  • His good friend Cygnus was so upset he was turned into a swan.
• The Heliades
  • Phaeton’s seven sisters, the Heliades, also mourned him by watching over the place where he fell to Earth.
  • Eventually, their tears turned to Amber and they were turned into poplar trees.