The Myth of Phaeton and the Sun Chariot

Retold By: Olivia, Ashlyn & Hannah

Apollo and Clymene, the nereid ( sea nymph ) had a proud son named Phaeton. When Phaeton was older he found out his father was the god of the sun, Apollo. He gloated to his friends that his father was the great and powerful Apollo. His friends didn’t believe him so he needed to prove it.

Anxious to prove his friends wrong, Phaeton rode all the way from where he lived to see the great Apollo. He wanted to and prove that he was Apollo’s son. Phaeton hoped that he could come back with something as proof. He had a big task ahead of him…

Once Phaeton arrived he had to seek his father and ask a favor in order to prove that Apollo was his dad. Apollo swore to his son that he was his father and to prove it he would grant him any wish. Phaeton immediately knew what to wish for.

Phaeton wished to ride his dad’s golden chariot. Apollo begged his ambitious son to choose something less dangerous. Phaeton told Apollo that he swore to grant him any wish he wanted. Apollo gave in and showed him his glowing gold chariot.

Apollo warned Phaeton about the dangers along the way. He said, “You must use the whip, tightly grip the reins, keep on track and keep equal distance between the heavens and land. “ Apollo put heat protecting ointment on Phaeton’s face and then Phaeton was off.

Phaeton didn’t realize how hard it was when the horses took off. He had trouble holding a tight grip on the reins. The chariot went off course and was caught in flames. Everything bad that Apollo described could happen was happening to Phaeton.

Zeus instantly saw the chaos on Earth and acted immediately. He threw a lightning bolt and knocked Phaeton off the chariot and left him tumbling to the ground.

Phaeton landed on a river bank with his hair on fire and he died from the fall. His sisters grieved for their helpless brother’s death and turned into poplar trees next to the river.

Apollo learned his lesson to never let a mortal drive his gold chariot again. Because of his son’s death, Apollo never let anyone but himself drive the chariot again.

The End