TED-Ed: The tragic myth of the Sun God's son | Iseult Gillespie

The story follows Helios, the Sun God, who had a son named Phaeton with a water nymph, Klimy. Phaeton, doubting his divine lineage, seeks confirmation from Helios. To prove their connection, Phaeton requests to drive Helios's chariot. Despite warnings, Phaeton's inexperience leads to chaos, causing destruction on Earth. Zeus intervenes, striking Phaeton down to prevent further catastrophe. Phaeton's sisters mourn him, transforming into trees, while Helios grieves but continues his celestial duties. Phaeton's likeness is immortalized in the stars as a reminder of his tragic attempt to wield powers beyond his control.

Who did Klimy marry after leaving Helios?

• King Merops of Ethiopia

• Zeus

• A mortal farmer

• Poseidon

What did Phaeton's peer claim about his parentage?

• That he was a mortal

• That he was the son of Poseidon

• That he was the son of a king

• That Helios was not his father

What did Phaeton request from Helios to prove their connection?

• To receive a divine weapon

• To meet Zeus

• To visit Mount Olympus

• To drive Helios's chariot for a day

What was the consequence of Phaeton losing control of the chariot?

• The chariot flew into space

• The Earth began to freeze and burn

• The chariot returned safely

• The horses stopped moving

How did Zeus prevent further disaster caused by Phaeton?

• By asking Helios to intervene

• By guiding the chariot back

• By calming the horses

• By striking Phaeton with a thunderbolt

What happened to Phaeton's sisters after his fall?

• They turned into poplar trees

• They became stars

• They vanished into the sea

• They were taken to Mount Olympus

What celestial feature serves as a reminder of Phaeton's story?

• The Milky Way

• The North Star

• The Orion constellation

• The constellation known as Araga or the charioteer