Reading Notes: Ovid's Metamorphoses I, Part A

Story: Phaethon's Ride


Painting by Gustave Moreau

Plot Summary

Knowing he was the son of Phoebus Apollo, the Sun God, Phaethon's went to the palace of the sun to meet his father. In the palace, he found his father, who embraced him, and swore by Stygian waters that he would grant him any favor. Phoebus asked to command the chariot of the sun for the day. 

After much hesitation and warning, the Sun God fulfilled his son's wishes because he could not back out of the promise. Once in the air, Phaethon could not control the chariot's horses. He let go of the reins, and the Sun lost its course. The chariot got too close to the earth which erupted into flames. The earth was scorched. Mighty Jupiter, after seeing all of the commotions, hurled a thunder to the chariot and killed Phaethon. 

My thoughts:

I actually found the story to be quite sad. I think that Phaethon died not because of negligence or malice, but because of his own vanity. He wanted to prove to other people he was the Son of Apollo and he wanted to command the Sun, against his own father's wishes. He was presumptuous in thinking he could wield the chariot. Not only did he die, but he caused destruction on the earth. 



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