Greek Mythology

Icarus and Daedalus

Icarus flies too close to the sun after escaping Crete with wings made by his father, Daedalus, creating one of mythology's clearest warnings about reckless ambition.

The Escape from Crete

Daedalus was a brilliant inventor trapped on Crete with his son Icarus. To escape, he built wings from feathers and wax.

Before they flew, Daedalus warned Icarus not to fly too low, where sea spray would weigh down the feathers, and not too high, where the sun would melt the wax.

Too Close to the Sun

At first, the plan worked. Then Icarus grew excited by the feeling of flight. He rose higher and higher. The sun softened the wax, the wings came apart, and Icarus fell into the sea.

The Lesson

The story is often read as a warning against pride and disobedience. It is also a story about youth, freedom, invention, grief, and the danger of ignoring limits.