Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Phaëton explained
Phaëton, son of Apollo and Clymene, seeks proof of his divine parentage after being mocked.
What happens
Phaëton, son of Apollo and Clymene, seeks proof of his divine parentage after being mocked. He travels to the Sun's palace, where his father Phoebus reluctantly grants him a wish. Phaëton asks to drive the sun chariot for a day. Despite Apollo's warnings about the dangers, Phaëton insists. He loses control of the horses, causing the earth to catch fire, cities to burn, and landscapes to be devastated. Ultimately, the world is thrown into chaos.
Themes in this chapter
Hubris and Divine Retribution
Phaëton's arrogance in demanding to drive the sun chariot leads to catastrophic destruction, illustrating the peril of overstepping mortal limits.
Fate and Free Will
Despite Apollo's warnings and the clear dangers, Phaëton exercises his free will to pursue his desire, setting in motion his tragic fate.
Characters to notice
- Phoebus Apollo
Father of Phaëton; god of the sun who reluctantly grants his son's wish to drive the chariot.
- Jupiter
Mentioned as the god who cannot drive the sun chariot; his realm is affected by the chaos.
- Vulcan
Crafted the sun chariot and decorated the palace walls with representations of earth, sea, and skies.
Key passages
“Phaëton was the son of Apollo and the nymph Clymene. One day a schoolfellow laughed at the idea of his being the son of the god, and Phaëton went in rage and shame and reported it to his mother.”
Phaëton, the child of Apollo and the nymph Clymene, was mocked by a classmate for claiming divine parentage, which angered and shamed him, prompting him to tell his mother.
Sets up Phaëton's motivation to seek proof of his lineage.
“The father repented of his promise; thrice and four times he shook his radiant head in warning. 'I have spoken rashly,' said he; 'this only request I would fain deny.'”
Apollo immediately regretted his oath, shaking his glowing head repeatedly and urging Phaëton to reconsider, calling his own promise hasty.
Highlights Apollo's foresight and the theme of rash promises.
“The steeds soon perceived that the load they drew was lighter than usual; and as a ship without ballast is tossed hither and thither on the sea, so the chariot, without its accustomed weight, was dashed about as if empty.”
The horses quickly noticed the chariot was lighter than normal, causing it to sway wildly like an unballasted ship, as Phaëton lacked the weight and skill to control them.
Describes the immediate loss of control and the metaphor of an unsteady ship.