Phaethon, the son of the sun god Helios, ask to drive the sun chariot for one day, despite his father's warnings. ![]() The myth of Phaethon can have similar connotations. If a character or aircraft is named Icarus, then it's fairly obvious that this is going to happen. The popular English saying "flying too close to the sun" (alternatively "fly too close to the sun, and you will burn") comes from this story and trope. Many of its allusions may fit the same tropes. The original story may be seen as an early example (indeed significantly pre-dating the Trope Namer) of Ludd Was Right if taken literally as an Aesop about the dangers of manned flight, or of Tall Poppy Syndrome if seen as an allegory about soaring ambition. Thus the story warns against single mindedly chasing one's ambitions and being too prideful of oneself in doing so. In this reading, Icarus tries to get closer to the sun not out of ecstasy, but out of blind ambition and hubris about his own capabilities. (Incidentally, Icarus was also warned not to fly too low, as the water would also damage his wings.) The moral of the story in this reading is to not act recklessly and to heed the warnings of others, especially those with more experience and knowledge.Ī second popular variation of the trope however takes a different angle by focusing on the Ambition Is Evil lesson the story can be interpreted as. The reason behind their trouble may vary problems will range from extreme temperature changes to oxygen deficiency at high altitudes. (It's particularly common with characters who have only recently gained the ability to fly). This story has had an influence on modern media, with a number of stories about flying characters going too high and suffering the consequences. ![]() Eventually, the sun melted the wax off his wings and they disintegrated, causing Icarus to fall to his death. ![]() Icarus, however, overcome with the joy of flying, started soaring higher and higher toward the sun. Attaching the wings to their arms, he and his son Icarus managed to escape, flying over the ocean. The father, Daedalus, constructed two pairs of wings out of wax and feathers. In the Greek myth of Icarus and Daedalus, a father and son attempted to flee from an island where they were held prisoner. Randall Munroe, What If? #30: "Interplanetary Cessna"Ī specific Mythical Motif and Stock Shout-Out to the myth of Icarus meant to highlight a character's reckless negligence and dangerous ambition.
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