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Metamorphoses · Chapter

Story of Phaeton explained

Phaeton, son of Apollo and Clymene, obtains a rash oath from his father to grant any wish, then demands to drive the sun chariot for a day.

What happens

Phaeton, son of Apollo and Clymene, obtains a rash oath from his father to grant any wish, then demands to drive the sun chariot for a day. Despite Apollo's warnings about the dangers, Phaeton insists. He loses control of the horses, causing chaos in the heavens and on earth. Jupiter intervenes by striking Phaeton with a thunderbolt, hurling him into the river Po.

Themes in this chapter

  • Divine Power and Human Folly

    Phaeton's reckless demand and Apollo's reluctant oath highlight the folly of humans challenging divine limits.

  • Fate and Prophecy

    Apollo's warnings and the inevitable catastrophe underscore the inescapable nature of fate.

Characters to notice

  • Apollo

    Father of Phaeton, god of the sun, who reluctantly grants his son's wish to drive the chariot.

  • Phaeton

    Rash youth who demands to drive the sun chariot and perishes as a result.

  • Jove

    Supreme god who strikes Phaeton with a thunderbolt to prevent universal destruction.

Key passages

  • “The ambitious boy fell thunderstruck from heaven; The horses started with a sudden bound, And flung the reins and chariot to the ground”

    Phaeton was struck by Jupiter's thunderbolt and fell from the sky, causing the horses to bolt and the chariot to break apart.

    Climactic moment of Phaeton's downfall.

  • “Keep a stiff rein, and move but gently on: The coursers of themselves will run too fast; Your art must be to moderate their haste.”

    Apollo advises Phaeton to hold the reins firmly and drive slowly, as the horses are naturally fast and require careful control.

    Apollo's final warning to his son.

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