The Story of Icarus
Icarus was the son of Daedalus, the great inventor of Greek mythology, and a slave woman of King Minos. He grew up on Crete, where his father served the king. When Minos refused to let Daedalus leave, father and son were trapped on the island.
Daedalus made wings of feathers and wax for both of them. He warned Icarus to fly at a middle height, since the sun would melt the wax if he flew too high and the sea spray would soak the feathers if he flew too low. But once in the air, Icarus was thrilled by the freedom of flight and soared higher and higher, until the sun melted the wax and he plunged into the sea.
Daedalus found his son's body and buried him on a nearby island, which became known as Icaria, and the waters there were called the Icarian Sea. The fall of Icarus became one of the most famous warnings in Greek myth against reckless pride and ignoring wise advice. It has been retold in poems and paintings ever since, most famously by Pieter Bruegel.
Famous Myths About Icarus
The Fall of Icarus
Icarus escaped Crete with his father Daedalus on wings of feathers and wax. Thrilled by flight, he ignored his father's warning and flew too close to the sun, the wax melted, and he plunged into the sea that now bears his name, the Icarian Sea.
Icarus's Family Tree
Parents of Icarus
Partners of Icarus
Children of Icarus
Frequently Asked Questions About Icarus
Who was Icarus in Greek mythology?
Icarus was the son of the inventor Daedalus. He is famous for flying on wings of feathers and wax and falling when he flew too close to the sun.
What happened to Icarus?
Daedalus warned Icarus not to fly too low near the sea or too high near the sun. Icarus soared too high, the sun melted the wax in his wings, and he fell into the sea and drowned.
Where did Icarus fall?
Icarus fell into the sea near the island of Icaria, and that part of the Aegean is called the Icarian Sea after him.
What does the story of Icarus mean?
The myth is a warning against hubris and ignoring wise advice. Today, flying too close to the sun means overreaching through pride or ambition.
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