►Greek Mythology: “Phaeton, Helios’ Son”:
“Phaeton” by Gustave Moreau (1878).
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Phaeton (derived from the greek verb phaethô, “to shine: “the shining” or “radiant one”) was the young son of Helios and Clymene
According to the roman poet, Ovid, Phaethon was the son of Helios, the god of the Sun, and Clymene, an Oceanid Nymph,who was also mother of the Seven Heliad Nymphs (Paethon’ sisters) .
It was not until Phaethon reached a certain age, however, that he learned that his father was indeed the Sun-god. When he realized who his father was, Phaethon decided to meet Helios. He therefore went on a journey to the East, where he found his father’s grand palace.
Phaeton begged his father to let him drive the chariot of the sun.
Helios tried to talk him out of it by telling him that not even Zeus would dare to drive it, as the chariot was fiery hot and the horses breathed out flames.
But Phaeton insisted and at the end Helios reluctantly conceded to his son’s wishes.
When the day came, the fierce horses that drew the chariot felt that it was empty because of the lack of the sun-god’s weight, and went out of control, setting the earth aflame
Zeus quickly realized that this was a dangerous situation. So the ruler of the Greek gods threw a thunderbolt directly at Phaethon, hurling his flaming body into the waters of the river Eridanos.
His sisters, the Heliades, gathered on the banks, and in their mourning with transformed into amber-teared poplar trees.
After his death, Phaethon was placed amongst the stars as the constellation Auriga (“The Charioteer”).
Plato used a similar analogy to the one of Phaeton’s myth in his dialogue “Phaedrus”. There, Plato presents the Analogy of the Chariot to explain the tripartite nature of the human soul.
In Plato’s Phaedrus, the charioteer joins a procession of gods, led by Zeus, on this trip into the heavens and have to try to successfully pilot the chariot, controllin and balancing the black and white horse.
When the chariot plummets to earth, the horses lose their wings, and the soul becomes embodied in human flesh. The degree to which the soul falls, and the “rank” of the mortal being it must then be embodied in is based on the amount of Truth it beheld while in the heavens.
As stated by this analogy, the rational part of the soul is represented by the charioteer. The spirited part (Thymos) is represented by the white horse while the black horse symbolizes the appetitive part of the soul.
Besides, Phaeton’s myth has similarities with Icarus’ myth, which tells the tragic story of Dedalus’ son, a young man who is driven to prove himself by reaching the Sun with waxed wings, regardless of the consequences.
As in Icarus’ myth, Phaeton´s moral is to “take the middle way” by warning against heedless pursuit of instant gratification (represented in both myths by the horses. And, strictly following Plato’s definition in the “Phaedrus”, by the black horse, which represents man’s appetites ).
The implicit aristotelian idea in these myths is that virtue is “a kind of moderation as it aims at the mean or moderate amount” (Aristotle’s Golden Mean). In this last sense both myths highlight the greek idea of Sophrosyne, which etymologically means healthy-mindedness and from there moderation guided by knowledge and balance.
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“The Fall of Phaeton” by Peter Paul Rubens (1605).
On the Right: “The Fall of Phaeton” by Peter Paul Rubens (1605). On the Left: “The Sun, or the Fall of Icarus” by Merry-Joseph Blondel (1819).
“Phaeton driving the sun-chariot” by Nicolas Bertin (1720).
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►Gallery: “Phaeton, Helios’ Son”:
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“The fall of Phaeton” : From the series “The Metamorphoses” (Ovid) by Hendrik Goltzius (1588).
“The Fall of Paethon” by Michelangelo (1533).
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►Michelangelo Buonarotti, “The Fall of Phaeton”, a drawing based on Phaeton’s Myth (Last drawing above):
Description: At the top of the sheet, Jupiter sits on his eagle and hurls a thunderbolt at Phaethon, son of Apollo, who plunges from a horse-drawn chariot. Phaethon had asked to drive the chariot of the sun, but he lost control and to save the earth Jupiter destroyed him. Underneath, his sisters, the weeping Heliades, are changed into poplar trees while another relation, Cycnus, has become a swan. The reclining male figure is the river god, Eridanus into whose river (the River Po in Italy) Phaethon fell.
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►Suggested Poem “The Key to Unity” By Uncle Tree:
Click on the Image above to read Uncle Tree’s Poem.
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►Links Post:
http://www.theoi.com/Titan/Phaethon.html
http://www.theoi.com/Titan/AsterPhaethon.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phaethon
http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/Phaethon
http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/pd/m/michelangelo,_fall_of_phaeton.aspx
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►Last but not Least: Three Awards:
►Here are the Award Rules, which are the same for all the awards:
1) The nominee shall display the respective logo on her/his blog.
•Note: To get the logo just click on the one which corresponds among the ones appearing in the Gallery below.
This time I will nominate new followers and/or bloggers I have recently met or that I haven’ t nominated before.
2) The nominee shall nominate ten (10) bloggers she/he admires, by linking to their blogs and informing them about it.
►Aquí están las reglas comunes a todos los Premios:
1) Ubicar el logo del Premio que le corresponda en su blog.
2) Nominar a otros diez (10) bloggers, enlazando a sus respectivos blogs e informándolos de la nominación.
•Nota: Para obtener el logo, hacer click en la imagen que corresponda al mismo, de entre todas las que aparecen debajo.
En esta oportunidad nominaré a nuevos seguidores y/ a bloggers que conocí recientemente o que aún no he nominado.
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Premio Dardos.
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I) Black Blogger Award: I have received this award from Gorrión de Asfalto and Profecías Mayas del Fin del Mundo.Both Blogs worth checking out. The first blog features Cultural events, Poetry, Guests Posts, among the main categories. The second one has as its most important topics: Anthropology, Archeology and Mexico’s Ancient Civilizations Culture.
►My nominees for the Black Wolf Blogger Award are/Mis nominados para el Black Wolf Blogger Award son:
1.Ensayos y Poemas 2. Aquí no sobran las Palabras 3. Té, Chocolate, Café 4. Tintero y Pincel 5. Ser un Ser de Luz 6. Reescrituras 7. Ya Baki Entel Baki 8. Indahs 9. Toritto 10. Lens and Pens by Sally.
II) The Versatile Blogger Award: Micheline Walker nominated me for this award. Her blog truly stands out and it includes posts related with Art, Middle Age Literature, symbolism in art and texts and their interpretation.
I was also nominated for this award from the poetry blog Condena, Mis Poemas. If you like spanish you’d better check out poems over there (You can also use the translator!). Last but not least, I also got this one from the blog called Ritual de las Palabras, with interesting contents that include mainly brief stories and Literature in general.
►My nominees for the Versatile Blogger Award are/Mis nominados para el Versatile Blogger Award son:
1. 21 Shades of Blue 2. Lady Sighs 3. Anna: Prostor 4. Feline Alchemy 5. ABC of Spirit Talk 6. Word Dreams 7. Valentina Expressions 8. Les Rêves d’ Eugenie 9. Ramo di Parole 10. Geiko Usume.
►My nominees for the Wonderful Team Member Readership Award are/Mis nominados para el Wonderful Team Member Readership Award son:
1. Micheline Walker 2. Gorrión de Asfalto 3. Profecías Mayas del Fin del Mundo 4.Condena, Mis Poemas 5. Sonu Duggal 6. Espace Perso de Georges 7. Family Life is More 8. Ruka de Colores 9. Le Bon Côté des Choses 10. Willowdot21
IV) Premio Dardos: He sido nominada para este Premio desde los blogs amigos en Castellano, Ser un Ser de Luz, Aquí no sobran las Palabras, Reescrituras, Tintero y Pincel y Té, Chocolate, Café. Todos estos son excelentes espacios, mayormente de Literatura, pero también de Arte, Meditación y cuestiones relacionadas con el Universo.
►Mis nominados para el Premio Dardos son:
1. Compartimos 2. De Partida 3. Postales del Futuro 4. Natan Vue 5. Corriendo en la Niebla 6. Clínica Creativa 7. Blog de Jack Moreno 8. Nascaranda 9. Debe de Haber 10. Personajes y Leyendas.
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Thanks a lot for dropping by. Best wishes to everyone, Aquileana 😀
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Aquileana
⚡️La Audacia de Aquiles⚡️ 
Enhorabuena por los premios 😉
Muchas gracias Chus… Un abrazo, Aquileana 😛
Great post Aquileana,
Especially this: “When the chariot plummets to earth, the horses lose their wings, and the soul becomes embodied in human flesh. The degree to which the soul falls, and the “rank” of the mortal being it must then be embodied in is based on the amount of Truth it beheld while in the heavens.”
Very interesting and yes, very much a warning about over-reaching.
Debra
Hi Debra, Thanks a lot for dropping by and for highlighting that excerpt. I also believe it is an important one as it is related to Plato’s tripartite structure of the soul and thus to it’s immortality!
Best wishes to you!, Aquileana 😀
I love both the name “Phaeton” & Gustave Moreau’s painting. Amazing post. Thank you so much for enriching our culture… you really make a fantastic job! 1000 mercis ♥
Thank you very much for your thoughtful comment dear F… I also love Moreau’s painting!… Sending you my very best wishes, Aquileana 😀
Thanks @wordsinthelight for sharing this post at Twitter,
Aquileana 😛
I’d never heard of Plato’s tripartite nature of the human soul. Wow. This is good stuff. Has any scholar made the connection between this and the much later Christian tradition of the trinity?
As always, brilliant!
Hi dear John!.
I would answer you intuitively… I think that probably Plato’s tripartite structure of the soul would be related to the Holy Trinity.
In Plato’s “Republic: he stated that the soul is divided in three parts, related to appetites, spirit and Reason, respectively
Besides Plato also considered the same topic in “Phaedrus” as I mentioned in the post above. In “Phaedrus”, Plato presents the allegory of the chariot to explain the tripartite nature of the human soul or psyche. he said that the chariot is pulled by two winged horses, one mortal (black horse) and the other immortal (white horse)
According to the further symbolism of the allegory, the Charioteer represents man’s Reason (Nous), the white horse represents man’s spirit (thymos) and the black horse represents man’s appetites (“epithumia”)
I am not so sure about the further develop of Plato’s tripartite structure in Christianism, but I think that the idea of three parts which represents a “Whole” is already present in the platonic dialogues I mentioned. Thus the initial idea could have been here… At least, potentially.
Best wishes to you!.. Have a great weekend!, Aquileana 😛
I agree, it would seem to be the seed that was “borrowed” by others.
Have a great weekend, too, my friend! 🙂
In Christianism it’s called St. Paul’s Trichotomy. Plato did divide man into three parts, but his trichotomy was different from Paul’s trichotomy. In Plato’s tripartite theory of the soul in the Republic (Book IV), man becomes divided into “nous” (intellect), “thumos” (passion), and “epithumia” (appetite). Plato does speak of spirit (thumos, the emotional element in virtue), but it is controlled by the “nous” (intellect). St. Paul, on the other hand, uses the term: “pneuma” (breath) which is different from “thumos”.
St. Paul makes a clear distinction between soul (psyche) and spirit (pneuma) in 1 Thessalonians 5:23. He says that all living things have a soul, and in man the most important principle is the spiritual soul. Thus, Paul is saying that the “whole” of man is composed of body-soul-and spirit. He is not dividing these things, but says they act as a whole. During the reformation, however, Luther continues to develop St. Paul’s passage of the Trichotomy further, up to the point of prioritizing man’s spirit in sanctification. Elaborating on 1 Thes 5:23 he further develops Paul’s trichotomy, alluding that in order to understand it, it is necessary that the Christian God preserves, first our spirit, then our soul and body, adding the “faith” principle, which is nothing more than salvation or redemption through the name of this Christian God. The “trinitarian formula” in Christianity is the “Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit” and are in effect referring to these entities of the Christian Trinity, as described in the New Testament.
A beautiful, informative post as usual! I was fascinated by Greek and Roman mythology as a child; I was the only kid I knew that read the Illiad – over and over! Regards
Thank you very much, Toritto
I am glad to know that you like greek Mythology and that you enjoy these posts!.
Best wishes and happy weekend to you, Aquileana 😀
Buenísimo!
Muchas gracias, Samuel. Saludos para vos, Aquileana 😛
Encore une fois je me suis régalée à la lecture de ce billet . Je suis assez fascinée par l’interprétation du Phèdre de Platon , ce symbolisme avec les chevaux c’est passionnant .
Merci pour ce superbe billet
Bonne soirée
Salut Gisèle!,
Merci beaucoup pour ton commentaire.
Je suis très heureuse de savoir que ce billet t’ as plu! …
Je te souhaite une bonne fin de semaine. Mes meilleurs vœux pour toi!, Aquileana 😀
Bonsoir chère Aquileana,
Je viens de lire ton magnifique billet. Que c’est beau et les photos sont de toute beauté.
Je te souhaite un très bon week-end ensoleillé avec mes amitiés.
Belle soirée et bises 🙂
Salut chère Denise! 😉
Je te remercie pour ton commentaire et je te souhaite un douce week-end. Mes meilleurs vœux pour toi!, Aquileana 😀
Although the Roman and Greek Gods grew out of favor with the coming of Christianity, they are still powerful stories. So many of the great artists painted their version of the myths…..as you always show us. My favorite one this time was by jan eyck. 🙂
Thank you for your nomination for an award. I don’t participate in the awards, but appreciate the thought very much.
Thank you very much for your comment dear LadySighs… I intuited that you were off awards, but anyway, is is all about the mention or recognition, I guess. Jan Eyck’s painting is a great one!. Good choice 🙂
Sending you all my very best wishes, Aquileana 😀
A disfrutar de los premios, todos los que te vengan serán pocos porque juegas en la Champions League (o la Libertadores si quieres) de los blogs. Me había leído tu artículo sobre Faetón pero no había puesto suficiente atención a los premios, gracias también por tus palabras para el Ritual. Un beso y no bajes el pistón porque estás haciendo algo grande con este blog.
Muchas gracias por tus palabras de aliento, querido José. Me has sacado más de una sonrisa 🙂 Un abrazo para vos, Aquileana 😀
Wow, Aqui! What an excellent post. We shouldn’t look for instant gratification, It is either disastrous or shallow and empty. I truly appreciate your posts and enjoy reading them thoroughly.
Best wishes
Syl :p
Hi dear Syl!,
You have perfectly spoke out!… Balance is the key at the end …
Not too high, not too low and, also, not too fast, not too slow…
I am truly happy to know that you found this post inspiring and that you like it!. Hugs and happy weekend ahead to you!, Aquileana 😛
You’re welcome Aqui 🙂 We need to maintain a steady flow to life and let things happen in their time. Hugs and happy weekend, sis 😀
You mastered words, once again bro!.
Many hugs and hope you a groovy weekend…
I will visit you soon to read some poems!,
Aquileana 😛
I’m learning from your posts 😀 you have a groovy weekend too! :p
Thanks @SylvesterPoetry for sharing this post at Twitter,
Aquileana 🙂
Aquileana Im amazed at how many mistakes the Gods made at times, making many stuff ups as we humans do. Maybe that is why we still hold a fascination for these myths.
Hi Kath!… Well, you are right!… Those Greek Gods were shaped as Human and they behaved that way too… I also think that the fact of having human flaws brought them closer to mortals, who therefore worshipped them without hesitation!. Best wishes and thanks for dropping by!, Aquileana 😀
As always, a fascinating read and beautifully illustrated.
Thank you very much!.
I am glad to know that you liked this post!.
All the very best to you, Aquileana 😀
Reblogged this on Spiritual challenges .
Thanks @maxima003 for reblogging this post!,
Aquileana 😛
Young men haven’t changed much have they? The young men who race their cars along the roads here are just like Phaethon. A very interesting post with lots of relevant art-work. Thank-you, Aquileana
Hi Clare… Good analogy… Yes, they look pretty much alike!.
Thanks a lot for dropping by… Wishing you all the very best!. ❤
Aquileana 😀
And all the best to you too! Clare x
Reblogged this on 21 Shades of Blue and commented:
While I don’t normally accept awards, I will accept one in my own way, in sharing some of my allegoric Phaeton prose in thanks to my brilliant, thoughtful and beautiful new friend Aquileana for recognizing me with the Versatile Blogger Award with her new post on Phaeton! Thank you Aquileana, and great post!
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“When we are born, we start living our first year. When we come full circle, we claim a full age, and begin another. The last evening of the Summer of 2008, I turned 22 and as a red dawn spilled over the Autumn Equinox, I began shading 23’s blueprints. I’ve never had an ending, just almost beginnings, love touched, just airbrushed lust, infatuation with the emotionally unavailable. I’m attracted to what I can’t have, and if I see I can, with my own voice and hands, I sacrifice myself, the chance, thinking I’m just too savage for saving, knowing intimacy means trusting without facade, another with the true open book that I pretend is 21 shades of blue, afraid to let 23 shades of red be read. With subtle jots, with little tittles, I’ve tried to call out all the shots, to alter what I knew to be my lot. My eyes bloodshot, never have forgot the pain of sunspots in inkblots. A process of drawing my own fire, and losing our plot in the flames after becoming a self-inspired liar, torching memories, bridge-burning synapses-misfiring, reinventing She. A blur of burns from close shaves in changing Aiges and Her names fanning my fickle flames in shame. Hush-Hush, secrets in the telling of fever-dreams’ frozen reveries. I might as well be running in circles around the world recreating Earth as my personal Hell without help, the 21 century’s 21 shades of blue stuck on repeat, static, standing still and I might as well be alone here; without Her here, there is no one who can contain my flame for her Summer sparks of sunspots, freckles, kisses Frost blew shades of red to five Aiges since one True I’ve burned through, with them bridges I’d built of lives spent missing Her’s in them, five years since I began 23, now I’m turning 28 tomorrow’s eve, still differing an epilogue’s leaf…”
— Ry Hakari (written Sep. 20, 2014, the day before I turned 28 last month)
Thanks dear Ryan for reblogging this post and for your amazing words towards me… Also great brief story if I am allowed to call it that way!.
Best wishes, always!, Aquileana 😛
Thank you, I am honored Aquileana!
I don’t know if I will have much time to talk tonight by the way as my friend Peter called me up wanting to hang out some time tonight, and I agreed to as I haven’t seen him in maybe a month!
Best wishes – Ry 😛
Okay Ry… I ‘ll see you around at WP during the week. Enjoy your weekend!,
Aquileana 😀
Aha, a new post to read! Wonderful, Aqui 🙂
Not so wonderful for Phaeton though, oh dear! He was advised not to ride the chariot and did not listen… It is such a tragic end to his life! I will learn not to ride so close to the sun – deal? Hihihihi a HIGE sun is not a BGP to us!!
Congratulations as well to you on all of the wonderful awards you received here. Well done, my dearest friend!
Many hugs to you for your day xo
Love Chris
Hi dear Chris!.
HIGE sun is not a a BGP 😀 … So clever and cute you are! .
I am glad to know that you enjoyed the reading and I much appreciate your beautiful comment here B2…
Many hugs for your friday and weekend ahead ❤ Love, Aquileana 😀
Thanks @christybis for sharing this post at Twitter,
Aquileana 🙂
Wonderful, wonderful post.
Thanks a lot, dear Shehanne… Wishing you all the very best!. ❤
Aquileana 😀
Thanks @ShehanneMoore for sharing this post at Twitter,
Aquileana 🙂
¡Olé, olé!
¡Muchas felicitaciones! Tienes un blog muy “majito”. Me encanta.
Gracias por pensar en mi Ruka de colores.
😀 😀 😀
Muchas gracias por tus palabras. Un gusto conocer tu blog y nominarte en justa consecuencia. Saludos para vos, Aquileana 😀
Gracias por la nominación.
De nada… Un gusto.
Saludos, Aquileana 😀
I didn’t know the story of Phaeton so you have enlightened me. You find wonderful images to illustrate your very interesting narrative.
Hi dear Susan!… I am happy to know that you learnt through this post’s reading!.Thanks a lot for dropping by. Love, Aquileana 😛
Effectivement, difficile de ne pas faire le lien avec Icare… et cette histoire parle aussi bien de l’impétuosité de la jeunesse, que d’une certaine forme de l’orgueil qui conduit l’imprudent à sa perte…
Et cette voie du milieu, chère à tous les philosophes, prend toute sa signification. Cela dit, une touche de folie, n’est pas pour me déplaire 🙂
Merci, Aquileana pour tes beaux billets, toujours si magnifiquement illustrés, bisous
Muchas gracias Aquileana por la deferencia de tu gesto para conmigo, y por ende para mi sitio. Es un honor viniendo de ti dado que cultivas a diario un espacio con tanta impecabilidad y minuciosidad. Recibe un cálido abrazo que hago extensivo no solo a quienes están nominados sino a todos quienes a través de éstos medios aportan su grano de arena para reivindicar la cultura general.
Geiko,
Absolutamente agradecida por tu comentario. Coincido con el mensaje que das. Es la Comunidad la que nos alienta a seguir, desde el intercambio y el diálogo, al fomentar la intertextualidad y difundir cultura general.
Un abrazo para vos, Aquileana 😀
El mejor premio y ya que la mayoría no buscamos el monetario, en esto de los blogs. Es saber que lo que hacemos tiene aunque sea cierta calidad y le interesa a a quien nos visita
El tuyo, tiene calidad de sobra y eso no hace falta ningún premio para comprobarlo. Cuidate
El premio son tus palabras 😉
Muchas gracias por pasar, querido Plared.
Un abrazo grande, Aquileana 😀
Fascinante artículo, Aquileana. Es uno de mis mitos clásicos favoritos. Un abrazo. 🙂
Muchas gracias por tus palabras. Me alegro de que te haya gustado. Un abrazo, Aquileana 😛
Quite interesting that all analogies written about Helios’ son Phaeton are describing the power of Helios and the differences between right and wrong with a consequence. Even being son of Helios made Phaeton vulnerable by a mistake. I liked it very much! Thank you my dear Aquileana for another great post! 🙂 Hugs!
Muy buena entrada. Es muy interesante ver cómo Platón se sirve de mitos o alegorías para hacerse entender en aquellos puntos más “complejos” de sus diálogos.
Por otro lado, gracias por tenernos en cuenta! Es muy agradable saber que lo que uno escribe es leído y gusta. Gran sitio el tuyo. Un saludo!
Muy buen punto… Es muy cierto lo de los diálogos platónicos.
Cuando la razón no encuentra argumentos, los mitos indirectamente hallan los motivos. Un abrazo y un gusto tenerte por el blog, Aquileana 😀
Another interesting part of greek mythology.
And congratulation for the awards.
Have a nice weekend 🙂
Dany
Hi dear Dany,
I am pleased to know that you enjoyed it !… Thank you very much for the kind words. Happy weekend ahead to you!. Aquileana 😀
Hola Aquileana, felicitaciones por otro premio más y muchas gracias por nominar uno de mis blogs, pero como te explico en https://2012profeciasmayasfindelmundo.wordpress.com/2014/09/23/dia-mundial-de-los-animales-4-de-octubre/
donde me notificaste tu amable nominación, ya no voy a aceptar más nominaciones a premios, me quedo con 7, número mágico, por las razones que ahí te comento.
Mil gracias de todos modos, pues es muy satisfactorio que alguien que tiene tan maravilloso blog, como el tuyo, haya pensado en el mío. 🙂
Un abrazo desde México,
Silvia
Me ha encantado nominarte… te felicito por mantener varios blogs en forma simultánea, siendo todos ellos geniales… Respecto al proceso de nominación en sí, entiendo tus razones. El Premio es un reconocimiento, yo creo que ese es valor que tiene y lo demás es discrecional. Un abrazo para vos, Aquileana 😛
Pues nuevamente gracias por lo que me dices y sí, es muy satisfactorio ser nominada, satisfacción que me has concedido por tres veces y te lo agradezco al triple.
Un abrazo desde México 🙂
PD La verdad no es fácil llevar 3 blogs al mismo tiempo, pero la lucha se hace 🙂
Hola de nuevo, ya vi que no fue una nominación, sino dos, también pensaste en http://serunserdeluz.wordpress.com para otra nominación, mi respuesta es la misma y mi agradecimiento también. 🙂
Muchas gracias por el comentario… Un abrazo, Aquileana 😀
[…] ►Greek Mythology: “Phaeton, Helios’ Son”: “Phaeton” by Gustave Moreau (1878). […]
Wow, muchísimas felicidades y muchas gracias por la nominación!! 🙂
De nada… Un gusto, querida Zuri.
Saludos, Aquileana 😀
I am honored, dear friend. I will try to live up to this award.
Thank you very much for your comment dear Jacqui… It is a pleasure to nominate your blog as it is truly outstanding!. Sending you my very best wishes, Aquileana 😀
I always love settling in and reading a new post from you, Aquileana! I know I’ll learn something each time I do, and this post is no exception.
One thing that strikes me about many Greek myths is how they warn against hubris, which Phaeton displayed in thinking he could drive his father’s chariot, when not even mighty Zeus was able to. (It was also very interesting to learn the story behind the constellation Auriga. It’s one of my favorites in the winter sky, with the beautiful star Capella and the mysterious Epsilon Aurigae. Now when I spot Auriga in the night sky, I’ll think of poor foolish Phaethon.) I liked reading about your analysis of the rational vs. spirited part of the soul, and how this myth explains the need for moderation.
Another fantastic post, Aquileana! I know it must take a lot of time to prepare these, and I appreciate you sharing your knowledge with us. Have a great weekend, my friend!
Hi dear Miranda…
Indeed both in Phaeton’s myth and in Icarus’, the young main characters disobey authority (represented by Zeus, Helios and Dedalus). They defy boundaries and just want to go faster and/or higher.
Balance and moderation (the specific greek word for that state was Sophrosyne) was the ideal, even though, they clearly went beyond limits thus they were punished and had to pay their excesses with their own lives.By the way, Aristotle’s idea of virtue, defined as a golden mean between two extremes or vices is also subtly present here in Phaeton’s myth.
I am glad to know that you liked the post and enjoyed the reading… It’s real pleasure for me to know that and I thank you for your thoughtful comment my friend. Have a great weekend ahead. Best wishes, Aquileana 😀
Aquileana: I always learn things from your posts, and look forward to them. The Icarus theme is one I always related to , and the literal and symbolic parallels to the myth of Phaethon are fascinating. Well done, my friend. 🙂
Hi dear Chris.. Exactly, Phaeton’s myth and Icarus’ story are pretty much alike.
In these two cases the young men got lost as they try to reach more than they are allowed to… And Balance is the key in both myths!
All my best wishes to you and thanks for dropping by!, Aquileana 😛
Yes, I love the conceptual possibilities– what is says about the human condition.
Thanks, Aquileana– it really was a very fun read. 🙂
Thanks Chris!… Always a pleasure!.
Have a wonderful weekend!, Aquileana 😛
A most interesting post again! And the artwork you place with your posts are wonderful. Excellent job, Aquileana! Hugs!
Hi dear Linda,
I am pleased to know that you enjoyed it !… Thank you very much for the comment. Best wishes and happy weekend ahead to you!. Aquileana 😀
Another brilliant post Aquileana. 🙂
Thank you very much for your thoughtful comment dear Maverick…
Sending you my very best wishes, Aquileana 😀
Reblogged this on Apollo's Raven and commented:
Explore the Lesson of Moderation Guided by Knowledge and Balance in Greek Mythology. Thought-provoking and insightful Post.
Thanks @linneatanner for reblogging this post and for sharing it at Twitter, Aquileana 😀
A great post, Aquileana, providing insight into the lessons learned from the mythology of Phaeton attempting to drive the sun god’s chariot. I had never thought of this myth as a tale of moderation that should be guided by knowledge and balance. It is interesting that this analogy describes the soul as having a rational part (charioteer) while the spirited part is represented by the white horse and the black horse symbolizes the appetite of the soul. Relating Greek philosophy to this myth is fascinating and thought-provoking.
Thank you for sharing this article.
Best wishes,
Linnea
Hi dear Linnea!.
I thank you for your thorough overview on the main topics and spotlights of this myth… You are right the idea of Sophrosyne (Balance) is implicit here, that’s why Phaeton’s myth remind me of Icarus’ story… I guess once again Aristotle’s Golden Mean between two extremes is the necessary aim to achieve. Last but not least, you are right. The analogy in this myth is quite similar to the one presented by Plato in his dialogue “Phaedrus”.
Thanks a lot for dropping by. Sending you my very best wishes,
Aquileana 😀
Just goes to show that we should listen to guidance more instead of trying to run before we can walk,nice post,xx Rachel
Thank you dear Rachel!… Exactly that is the subtle moral of this myth… By the way, I find it wise!, Have a great weekend, best wishes, Aquileana 😛
wonderful post! Have a great weekend!
Simi
Thank you very much for dropping by, dear Simi…
Sending you my very best wishes, Aquileana 😀
So many interesting versions of the story and of “falls”. Me encantan las obras de artes y le tengo echado el ojo a tus ángeles también (mi próxima serie de novelas va de eso…)
Olga
Es cierto, el Mito de Faetón tien semejanzas al de Icaro… Y, por su parte, el tema alegórico del alma, guiada por los caballos y las pulsiones indomables corporales, es tratado por Platón en el diálogo ‘Fedro’. Muchas gracias por el comentario… Un abrazo, Aquileana 😀
Thanks @OlgaNM7 for sharing this post at Twitter,
Aquileana 🙂
Another fascinating post. I’ve never heard of the myth of Phaethon before. Like Icarus he couldn’t control his impulsive nature and was punished by Zeus.
One can draw a comparison with young drivers who like to speed and then run out of control and crash, causing damage and sometimes severe injury or death. Or those who lead a reckless life and get into trouble with the law.
Moderation is the answer for any age, of course.
Thanks for the great selection of paintings and Michelangelo’s fascinating drawing.
Have a lovely weekend, dear Aquileana.
Cheers 🙂 Irina
Hi dear Irina!… Oh Yes, I think someone above pointed out the same analogy between the chariots and the car’s drivers…
As you have well highlighted, balance is the ideal to reach. Which leads us to Aristotle’s definition of Virtue being it defined as a Golden Mean between two vices ( or extremes). Thanks for dropping by! ❤
Best wishes to you, always!. Aquileana
Thanks @kookadim for sharing this post at Twitter,
Aquileana 🙂
❤ 🙂
Je viens de lire ton billet, je le trouve très avec de magnifiques photos.
Merci pour ma nomination c’est très sympa
Bon week-end
Bisous
Salut Georges!
Je te remercie pour ton commentaire et je te souhaite un excellent week-end. Mes meilleurs vœux pour toi!, Aquileana 😀
Very very nice and superb
Thanks a lot!… Have a great day and enjoy your weekend ahead!,
Aquileana 😛
Aquileana,
Another marvelous sharing – LOVE it!
Always with my best
john
Hi John! I am happy to know that you enjoyed this myth.
Thanks for dropping by and commenting!. Best wishes to you, always!. Aquileana 😀
Very, very interesting! This was completely new information for me, so very exciting 🙂 Have a lovely weekend!
Thank you very much for your thoughtful comment dear Takami…
Have a groovy weekend. Sending you my very best wishes,
Aquileana 😀
Aquileana, still impressive story, amazing! Thank you for sharing, wish you have a great weekend dear friend, have fun!
Hello Passion Dew!,
I am pleased to know that you found this myth impressive.. Thanks for dropping by and commenting!. Best wishes and happy weekend to you, my friend!, Aquileana 😀
Interessante come sempre…
Grazie di cuore per il pensiero
Buona serata, Omar
Grazie mille … Sono contenta che ti piaccia il post, caro Omar!
Un abbraccio!, Aquileana 😛
Hi buudy, ahh! its been long.. well ..
“The Fall of Paethon by Michelangelo” is what grabbed my attention precisely. I was once on a trip to Greek myth lecture a long ago, and the artwork was one of my keen interest since there. So glad to see it here..
As always full of educational and knowledgeable .. great things to learn and discover and fill up my brains “aka mytho-brainiac”
I hope you are well!! 😀 Wishes and love for you and your city!! 😀
Be Bettr, Stay Bettr! 🙂
Swetank, 😛
Hi dear Swetank !… Thanks for your great comment…
I agree with you Michelangelo’s drawings are amazing… No wonder why he was a genius, right?
You were lucky to visit Greece.. Hopefully one day I will too
I am grateful to read your words today and pleased to know that you liked this myth.
Happy weekend ahead to you!. Sending you all my very best wishes, Aquileana 😀
Thanks @IamSwetank for sharing this post at Twitter,
Aquileana 😛
Thanks @SandraJones44 for sharing this post at Twitter,
Aquileana 😛
Welcome buddy! 😛
Learn, explore the beauty, go to Akuilena.
My primitive knowledge does not allow to talk about the history and art? Just learn, know and thank you.
What a beautiful comment!. I am honored. Thank you very much for this friday gift ❤
Best wishes to you, always, Aquileana 😛
I am a grandmother with grandchildren and it would be pleasure to have such a wise granddaughter. Have a great weekend dear Aquilena
Awww ❤ You are lovely!. Thank you very much!
Take good care of your grandchildren !.
Best wishes to you and yours!, Aquileana 😀
Thanks @Agustinayalad for sharing this post at Twitter,
Aquileana 🙂
Thanks Aquileana for all those posts. You’re not a myth and i always enjoy learning those beautiful stories you generously share. 🙂
Thank you very much dear Gaïa for your thoughtful words over here!… I a truly glad to know that you enjoyed Phaeton’s myth!.
All the very best to you, Aquileana 😀
So do you Aquileana ! Enjoy your week-end. 🙂
I enjoy mythology in general and you give a reason to discover or rediscover all the myths that I didn’t know or that I’ve forgotten.
All the very best to you also Aquileana.
Have a good sunday ! 🙂
Hello Gaïa, I am truly pleased to know that you are enjoying these accounts on Greek Mythology!.
Thanks for dropping by to read and comment. Wishing you a great week ahead, Aquileana 😀
Great work, Happy Weekend Aquileana ❤
Thank you very much, dear Leyla ❤
I hope you have a groovy weekend!.
Love, Aquileana 😀
I always love the symbolism behind the myths!! It speaks to our inner selves. Again thank you Aquileana for your myths and explanations.
Hi dear Cybele!. I am truly glad to known thay you enjoyed the myths and symbols intertwined with it.
Thanks for dropping by. Happy weekend to you!, Aquileana 😀
Muchas gracias por la nominación, Aquileana! En unos días levantaré un post con los requisitos de tu premio, y de un par más que tengo atrasados, 😉
(Y felicitaciones nuevamente por tu excelente blog!!)
Es un gusto, Diego… Te mando un abrazo y te deseo buen fin de semana, Aquileana 😀
Thank you for the nomination and for your friendship, Aquileana http://familyanswersfast.wordpress.com/2014/10/17/bloggers-awards-and-excuse-my-dust/ Being a member of your team is a privilege ❤
After seeing this interpretation of Phaethon by John Singer Sargent, I wondered what the relation of the scorpion was. It turned out that there is another account of this myth related to the scorpion:
“Although Helios tried to dissuade his son, Phaeton was adamant. However, when the day arrived, Phaeton panicked and lost control of the white horses that drew the chariot. First, the Earth grew chill as Phaeton flew too high and encountered the “celestial scorpion”, its deadly sting raised to strike. Alarmed, he dipped the chariot too close, causing the vegetation to burn. By accident, Phaeton turned most of Africa into desert and darkened the skin of the Ethiopian nation until it was black. Eventually, Zeus was forced to intervene by striking the runaway chariot and Phaeton with a lightning bolt to put an end to its rampage and Phaeton plunged into the River Eridanos)”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scorpius
Great myth Aquileana, I particularly loved the print from the series “The Metamorphoses” (Ovid) by Hendrik Goltzius (1588). Thanks again!
Thank you very much dear Maria… I am glad to know that you enjoyed this myth!.
Sending you all my best wishes. Happy weekedn to you, Aquileana 😀
A very interesting version of Phaeton’s myth, according to which a celestial scorpion poisons Helios’ son as he flew too high with his father’s chariot.
Thanks a lot for adding it, dear Maria!. Best wishes, Aquileana 😛
A wonderful post, dear Aquileana! I have learned some things I didn’t know before. Also, a great collection of images here. Very educational, as usual!
Have a great weekend, hugs! 🙂
Hi dear Inese!. Truly glad to know that you enjoyed this second part of Helios’ saga through his son Phaeton.
Always a pleasure to have you here. Thanks for dropping by and for your comment here. Have a groovy weekend. Hugs!, Aquileana 😀
Thanks @Inessa_ie for sharing this post at Twitter,
Aquileana:D
Always welcome 🙂
Very interesting. Thank you for your efforts in sharing this with us Aquileana. Have a wonderful weekend. 🙂
Thank you very much dear Lignum!… Good to know that you liked this post!.
I hope you also have a marvelous weekend. Best wishes, Aquileana 😀
Aquileana, another wonderful post, so sad for Phaethon, such a tragic ending. I love the part about his sisters, the poplar trees, and becoming a constellation, “The Charioteer”. Maybe this reflects the defiance of youth. I suppose the moral of the story, as you say to “take the middle way” or to find balance. The artwork you include is always the most beautiful, depicting the story, thank you! Congratulations on the awards! Please have a wonderful weekend, enjoy!
Warm wishes,
Pepper
Hi Peeper, Thanks for taking time to read in depth and for highlighting the main points of this myth.
Exactly… The moral is related to the Golden Mean (or as you said with taking the middle way)… Aristotle defined virtue as a middle point between two extremes or vices. I guess the same idea is presented here. (Not too high, not too low).
I am glad to know that you enjoyed this account. Will be soon at your blog to read your newest poems!.
Happy weekend to you as well!. Best wishes, Aquileana 😀
Great posts, love mythology and all the symbolism.
Aquileana, you are a doll, thank you so much for nominating my blog with the award, I feel honored. However, since I have received so many awards through the years and I don’t have any more space for them, I have stopped accepting them. I would like other bloggers to receive all they can.
Thanks again for considering my blog.
Valentina… It was my pleasure to nominate you and I am glad that you are enjoyinf these Greek Myths.
I hope you have a great weekend!. Thanks for dropping by!.
Aquileana 😛
Dear Aquileana, congrats for the awards!! Lovely posts and very informative ones you have. Many thanks for nominating me. Hope you are having a lovely weekend!
Hi Indah, Thanks a lot for dropping by to read and comment… It is my pleasure to nominate you. Your blog stands out!.
Happy weekend!, Aquileana 😛
The lesson from this post on Phaeton’s (the radiant one’s) destruction is well stated here. From a philosophical and psychological point of view, like vice and virtue, these characteristics depict downfall and inner beauty. So we do need to be discerning in making choices in life. Thank you, Aquileana, for this eye-opener! All the best to you. 🙂 Iris.
Thank you very much for your thoughtful comment and for sharing your ready witted inisghts regarding the meaning and/or moral on this myth… I agree with you… Life is a challenge so our choices define the follow up plan somehow!.
Happy weekend, Iris!…Sending you my very best wishes, Aquileana 😀
Your history lesson is an incredible read, but the collection of paintings are spectacular especially the first Phaeton. Thank you for bringing such a wonderful read this morning – have a great weekend!
Thank you very much dear Mary for your thoughtful words… Wishing you a great weekend as well!.
Aquileana 😀
I agree with Stl that instant gratification can be very shallow. Aquileana as a pre teen I was fascinated by Greek mythology but it had slipped from my interest until beginning to read your posts. Thank you for re igniting my fascination.
Thank you very much for sharing your insights on this myth and its subtle moral, dear Sue…
I am really happy to know that this posts re ignited your earlier fascination for Greek Mythology 🙂
Sending you all my best wishes
Aquileana 😛
I came to learn more mythology and got some education on astrology as well – you are very good value Aquileana. Like other commentators I am also now cogitating on the origins of the ‘holy’ trinity but the main message in this story is the one advising moderation (a reinforcement of Mercury) which is remarkably modern and relevant today. Thank you once again Aquileana.
Hi Mike!. Thank you very much for dropping by and for your dropping. I enjoyed reading your insights over here and much appreciate you shared them with me. Sending you all my very best wishes!,
Aquileana 😀
I like how you linked the myth with philosophy in your post. Aristotle ‘s words are wise. I think that in Christianity, moral virtue is considered to be somewhere in the middle of two extremes.
Hi dear Imelda, I am pleased to know that you enjoyed this myth and found Aristotle’s thoughts regarding Virtue accurate. You are right, Virtue is also defined as a Golden Mean (Middle Point) between two extremes in Christianity!.
Thanks for dropping by… Wishing you a great week ahead, Aquileana 😀
Einen schönen Sonntag sehr guter Beitrag ich wünsche dir eine glückliche und gute neue Woche liebe Grüße Gislinde
Vielen Dank lieber Freund Gislinde!… Wünsche ich dir eine gute Woche fur dich.
Viele Grüße, Aquileana 😀
Invite you to watch a new photo album on my blog.
I wish you a successful new week.
I will definitely check it out dear Marko. Thank you.
All the best to you!, Aquileana 😛
So many life lessons to use as guide posts in these beautiful posts, Aquileana. A magnificent job including the rich history of the many stories available. I’m especially drawn to the idea of Sophrosyne, and wish the world’s inhabitants would spend a little more time utilizing the wisdom of ‘moderation guided through knowledge and balance.’ Alas, it seems we’re often misguided by our own “sons,” and will give in to their whims and wishes stemming from a desperate desire to please or love — or maybe just to get them to stop nagging us about handing over the keys to the car.
And lastly, thank you for providing such stunning paintings and sketches to soak up. When not gazing up at Auriga tonight, I shall pass away a few more minutes with the dazzling art work.
Cheers!
Hi Peak, Thanks for your great comment here… I think that the idea of Sophrosyne is the main key here … Well at least if we keep the moral of the myth in mind. That’s why I find clear similarities with Icarus’ myth… Once again, The Golden Mean is truly important. According to Aristotle Virtue was a Middle Point between two extremes and/or vices… In this case both Phaeton and Icarus disobeyed their fathers and flew too high and too fast up to the Sun. Not the middle point at all!
I am truly please to know that you enjoyed this account on Phaeton and liked the feature.
I hope you have a great week ahead. Best wishes to you!, Aquileana 😛
Thanks @YjRivas for sharing this post at Twitter,
Aquileana 😛
Fantastic post dear Amalia.
I love the paintings.
Thank u for sharing with us.
Kisses and have a good week. 🙂
Thank you very much, dear Rotze!
I am really pleased to know that you enjoyed this account on Phaeton!.
Sending you many hugs and wishing you a great week ahead!, Aquileana 😀
Thanks @rotzemardini for sharing this post at Twitter,
Aquileana 😛
I especially like some of the images you’ve found of this week’s post. Now I must go off to bed and see if they find their way into my dreams. Have a great week ahead.
Hi dear Jeri!
I am pleased to know that you enjoyed the post and hope that at least one of those images have been able to join the intertwined paths of your dreams…
Sending you all my very best wishes! ⭐
Aquileana 😛
Thanks @JeriWB for sharing this post at Twitter,
Aquileana 😛
One of my favorite myths and a source of many imaginary journeys… Thank you for sharing the reminder of an old tale that has a magical feel. I enjoy very much reading your posts and even more the joy and happiness you share with so many! Thank you for being amazing you! Namaste
Hi Joe! ⭐
I am grateful to read your warm words tonight!… They mean a lot to me…
I truly appreciate your support and I am glad to know that you enjoyed this myth
Sending you all my very best wishes and I hope you have a great week!
Aquileana 😀
How very interesting, Amalia! I’ve not heard this story before, and yet, it seems awfully familiar. I like the way their “soul” falls and fills according to their merit. The Black Stallion represents Man’s appetite? Oh, my goodness! That explains a lot. 😉 The line-up of artwork you provide here cannot be topped. Best I’ve seen from you in one post. Most excellent choices, teach! Have a great week! Peace and luvz, UT
Dear Uncle Tree!,
You have probably read about the charioteer and the horses in Plato’s myth included in his dialogue “Phaedrus”…
Or maybe on a different account, like the one you subtly referred to in your last poem…
By the way that poem was so eloquent and it fits perfectly here, so I hope you don’t mind if I add the link on my post above!.
Sending you all my very best wishes and I hope you have a groovy week ahead! ⭐
Aquileana 😛
I don’t mind at all, Amalia. It is a privilege. 🙂 Thank you for sharing, sweet niece!
Thank You, dear Uncle ❤
Love!, Aquileana ⭐
Great post. Love the way you find paintings to support the story. How did you get such a great interest in mythology?
Hi Frank!!!,
Thank you very much for dropping by… I am pleased to know that you enjoyed this post!.
As to your question, I have been interested in Greek Mythology since I was in High School.
And with the blog I took it to a next level, more seriously and in depth! 😉
Sending you all my best wishes!, Aquileana 😛
.. and the next level it is!
Beautiful post! I wanted to wait till I was on my computer to read and take this all in! Have a blessed Monday! Peace surround you! (✿◕‿◕✿)
Thank you very much, Michelle ⭐
I am truly glad that you liked this post and enjoyed the reading!
Best wishes and happy week to you, Aquileana 😀
Loved this story Aquileana.. I never knew this story before.. Just love the Pictures.. I will be back tomorrow to read again.. only I have just had my granddaughter arrive 🙂
Hi dear Sue!. I am glad to know that you liked Phaeton’s myth and the pictures over here.
Sending hugs to you and yours (especially to your granddaughter!).
Love, Aquileana 😀
Thanks so much for this informative post, and for the gentle reminder of valuable lessons. I really enjoyed the graphics, too. Thanks Aquileana. 🙂
Thank you very much for your thoughtful comment dear Jet!.
I am really happy to know that you enjoyed the myth and the paintings!.
Sending you my very best wishes, Aquileana 😀
Mi muy querida vos:
Llego con mi tranco santiagueño que ni siquiera cierta pasada residencia capitalina logró desvanecer. Con la calma homenajeo al pago y, justamente, estas cuestiones de los equilibrios, de tomar el camino del medio, el justo medio. En un primer momento iba a proponer la imagen de la justicia y su balanza pero creo que este mito (como el de Ícaro) es más complejo todavía, diría tridimensional. Y hasta emparenta cuestiones de edad con características; una juventud irreflexiva (lanzada y tarambana que no mide consecuencias) frente a la actitud de los mayores y su consejo.
En fin, ¿qué puedo agregar? Una entrada magnífica as always. 😛
Un beso grande así, V. 😀
Hola mi querida V!
Espero que hayas comenzado una buena semana de primavera ⭐
Me ha encantado leer tus reflexiones… Siempre implacable con el lenguaje, siempre tan inteligente.
El tema aristotélico del “justo Medio” es sin duda el leit motiv de este mito, del mismo modo que del de Icaro.
Y es muy cierto eso de que hay variable emparentadas, como la edad (la inmadurez, en este caso, se relaciona con los excesos) e incluso la rebeldía,… Y, aún más, el desacato, por decirlo de una manera vinculada con “la solemnidad de las formas jurídicas”.
La imagen de la Justicia con la balanza es elocuente, pero una vez más, como señalabas, el justo equilibrio es casi inalcanzable
Hoy justo vi esta frase en Twitter que me parece bastante descriptiva: “We have a justice system that treats u better if you’re rich & guilty, than if you’re poor & innocent.” – B. Stevenson, #author, Just Mercy–
Un abrazo grande para vos, Aquileana 😀
Hola, mi querida A. 🙂
Retomo nuestra conversación para exclamar: ¡Uhhh! ¡Qué frase dura y potente! Me apena pensar que es una realidad común a muchos (bueno, al menos dos) idiomas.
La semana de primavera se está volviendo de veranito. ¡Y la figura no está preparada para quitar tanta ropa! 😀 😀
Que tu semana sea inmejorable, A. 🙂
Un beso grande. V. 😛
Besos V, amiga… Espero que tu semana transcurra implacablemente (y no con tanto calorcillo).
Paso a leerte a la brevedad! ❤ Aquileana 😀
Did Phaeton marry and have children, or does his lineage die with him?
Also, is he the entire Auriga, or is he just a star within it?
Great post as usual! Thank you Aquileana! ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Hi dear Resa!… Phaeton didn’t have kids… He died being very young due to the episode retold in this myth…
As to the Auriga constellation he represents its name (thus the entire constellation even when none of the particular stars is called Phaeton.
Auriga means “the charioteer” in Latin.
The constellation got this name because its major stars form a shape similar to that of the pointed helmet of a charioteer.
It is usually depicted as a charioteer, holding the reins of a chariot with his right hand and carrying a goat and its two young on his left arm.
(At: http://earthsky.org/constellations/closeup-on-auriga)
Thanks a lot for dropping by… Wishing you a great week ahead ⭐
Aquileana 😀
Thanks @resalis for sharing this post at Twitter,
Aquileana 😛
Auriga is one of the 48 constellations listed by the 2nd-century astronomer Ptolemy and remains one of the 88 modern constellations. Located north of the celestial equator, its name is the Latin word for “charioteer”, associating it with various mythological charioteers.
However, from what I’ve been reading, Phaeton is considered a “falling star”. It is linked to the constellation of Eridanus, which represents the “River-God”. The Eridanos was a purely mythical river of the north. The river may have been named Eridanos (“Early Burnt”) from the story of Phaethon. The constellation was supposed to be the path Phaëton drove along; in later times, it was considered a path of souls.
Eridanus is known as the Celestial River. It most often related to the Nile or Euphrates Rivers because they were so important to ancient civilizations. Eridanus is the second longest constellation in the night sky.
Map created in Guide 7.0 with the figure outline based on Johannes Hevelius’ Uranographia (1690) Eridanus, the River, exemplifies Babylonian Euphrates. Phaeton was trown into its waters when he drove Sun’s chariot too close to Earth. Its brightest star, Achernar (“River’s End”) is located too far South (d close to -60°) to be seen fom Canada or US.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eridanus_(constellation)
http://www.windows2universe.org/the_universe/Constellations/eridanus.html
http://www.astrosurf.com/jwisn/eridanus.htm
Hi dear Maria… Thanks for the further details on this topic… As far as I know the Auriga constellation might be related to Phaeton because Auriga means Charioteer in Latin… I now know that Phaeton is linked to the constellation of Eridanus, instead. And that (quoting you): “The constellation was supposed to be the path Phaëton drove along; in later times, it was considered a path of souls”. “Path of souls” made me think of Plato’s dialogue “Phaedrus”, in which, as you already know, he mentions the allegory of the Chariot, which is very much alike Phaeton’s myth!.
All the very best to you, Aquileana 😀
Yes, and thus it was in the heavens were they sought “immortality”.
“The Greeks imagined the heavens as a great, solid dome, which, some say, was forged of bronze, and upon which the heavenly constellations were fixed. The Titan Atlas, who stood either beneath the axis of heaven in the far north (in the land of the Hyperboreans), or at heaven’s western rim in by the Atlas mountains in North Africa, was said to spin the dome around upon his shoulders, causing the stars to rise and set.
Part of the heavenly dome always lay beneath the horizon. Here the constellations were apparently believed to dwell deep beneath the earth in the misty pit of Tartaros, or else within the lands of the dead. When they rose up into the heavens, the constellations were first bathed in the purifying waters of the great earth-encircling river Okeano. Various myths describe the birth and death of the semi-immortal constellations: such as the Gemini twins, or Dioskouroi, who were said to divide their time equally between Heaven and Haides. Orion was also described by Homer both striding across the heavens and hunting wild beasts in the underworld.”
Thus, constellations were “named”, not discovered. And the 12 constellations from the Zodiac have nothing to do with Astrology, but with Astronomy.
http://www.theoi.com/Cat_Astraioi.html
The Constellation of ERIDANUS
Part of a huge ceiling fresco at The Villa Farnese, also known as Villa Caprarola, (not be confused with the Palazzo Farnese and the Villa Farnesina, both in Rome.)
Here you can see Phaeton’s “path” when falling off his chariot onto the mythical River-God of “Eridanus”.
Astronomy was also linked to Astrometry:
“The history of astrometry is linked to the history of star catalogues, which gave astronomers reference points for objects in the sky so they could track their movements. This can be dated back to Hipparchus, who around 190 BC used the catalogue of his predecessors Timocharis and Aristillus to discover the earth’s precession. In doing so, he also developed the brightness scale still in use today. Hipparchus compiled a catalogue with at least 850 stars and their positions. Hipparchus’s successor, Ptolemy, included a catalogue of 1,022 stars in his work the Almagest, giving their location, coordinates, and brightness.”
“Before tools such as the telescope were invented, early study of the stars was conducted using the naked eye. As civilizations developed, most notably in Mesopotamia, China, Egypt, Greece, India, and Central America, astronomical observatories were assembled, and ideas on the nature of the universe began to be explored. Most of early astronomy actually consisted of mapping the positions of the stars and planets, a science now referred to as astrometry”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrometry
http://www.poderesantapia.com/gardens/farnese.htm
http://www.theoi.com/Cat_Astraioi.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astronomy
“Sala del Mappamondo”, ceiling fresco at the Palazzo Farnese Caprarola, (1574 Late Renaissance) The frescoed vault depicts the celestial spheres and the constellations of the zodiac.
http://www.poderesantapia.com/gardens/farnese.htm
So apparently even when none of this is really religious but mythical (and based on astrometry), the Greeks (and other cultures) already had a concept of “creation” (with stars), a preoccupation with the “heavens”, and “immortality”,
“The “soul” itself has different meanings and is not used in the same way in different religions and different denominations of a religion… According to the Abrahamic religions in most of their forms, souls—or at least immortal souls—belong only to human beings.”
“Anima mundi” is the concept of a “world soul”.
“The world soul (Greek: ψυχὴ κόσμου, Latin: anima mundi) is, according to several systems of thought, an intrinsic connection between all living things on the planet, which relates to our world in much the same way as the soul is connected to the human body. The idea originated with Plato and was an important component of most Neoplatonic systems”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soul#Trichotomy_of_the_soul
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anima_mundi
Aquileana, and thanks to you I’m learning all this!
Excellent insights regarding the concept of Anima Mundi.
The fresco from “Sala del Mappamondo” is aboslutely stunning!.
It is always a pleasure to catch up with your updates, a whole “different level”.
Thanks for sharing, dear Maria ⭐
Hugs!, Aquileana 😀
Hello Amalia.
A lot of work and responsibility, on your blog!
Beautiful and sweet day for you.
Kisses.
Thank you very much dear Louis for the video and thoughtful words. I am wishing you a great thursday and almost weekend ahead, Aquileana 😀
Aqui , liked your pics connecting story of phaeton and helios and the moralistic conclusions… raj
Hello Raj!,
Thank you very much for dropping by… I am truly pleased to know that you enjoyed this account on Helios and its ending moral… Best wishes to you, Aquileana 😀
I love hearing about the Greek gods and goddesses and you tell the story superbly and beautifully.
The pictures are classic and very interesting and they tell a wonderful story.Thank you.
Best wishes Aquileana, I’ll speak soon, regards James 😀
Hi dear James!,
Thank you very much for your nice words… Knowing that you enjoyed the post and liked the paintings on it means a lot to me!. Sending you all my very best wishes!, Aquileana 😀
Firstly, what a wonderful, wild painting by Moreau to begin your post! So much drama and vivid colour.
I also especially liked this phrase from your story: “transformed into amber-teared poplar trees” – it’s so beautifully sad 🙂
Then it occurred to me: “Does this mean that Phaeton was the first joy-rider??” (I’m not sure if you know the term “joy-rider”, or what the Spanish equivalent would be for someone who steals a car and goes racing around the streets..)
And finally, thanks for the award nomination – that’s so nice of you! I’m a bit rubbish at remembering to follow up on awards because I forget to look back at older posts, but I’ll try to remember this time, So, muchas gracias, dear Aquileana 😀
Hi dear Sue!.
I am pleased to know that you liked this account on Helios.. Moreau’s painting is beautiful, isn’t it?… I makes me think of a vitraux, somehow…
You are right Phaeton could have been the first joy-rider… At least, the first Greek one :.) By the waay that was a good analogy!.
And regarding the award, It was a pleasure for me to nominate you!. You totally deserve it!.
Thanks a lot for dropping by and all the very best to you, Aquileana 😛
Ah I didn’t know the word “vitraux” – so, merci, for teaching me a new word! 😉
I am the pupil here, Teacher … Thanks Sue.. ❤
Aquileana 😛
Thanks @Blakefeline for sharing this post at Twitter,
Aquileana 😀
Hello cara Aquileana
I love the paintings you choose to accompany the telling of the mythologies. 😀
Hubris seems to be the main thread in Greek mythology and here again, Phaeton thought he could control the stallions and ride the fiery flames across the earth. It fascinates me how many different ways the ancient storytellers tried to explain what happens when you behave in a particular way.
A wonderful and eloquent post.
Have a great weekend cara Aquileana
mille grazie
Luciana 😀
Hi dear Luciana!,
Thank you very much for sharing your clever and accurate thoughts over here… I agree with your statements regarding Hubris in Phaeton’s myth… Don’t you think that this myth is pretty much alike Icarus’ fall?
I am sending you all my very best wishes, cara amica!
Aquileana 😛
Very much like Icarus’ fall 😀
Thanks @ClucianaLuciana for sharing this post at Twitter,
Aquileana 🙂
Thanks @cindymars for sharing this post at Twitter,
Aquileana 😛
I think that it is said here already what I wanted to say. Fantastic post. Thank You.
Thank you very much for your thoughtful words!… I am pleased to know that you liked the post.
I much appreciate your comment!… Best wishes and happy week ahead to you, Aquileana 😀
Very nice blog!
Good evening!
See you soon.
Friendship.
Thank you very much, dear Louis… Wishing you a great week ahead.
Best of luck to you, Aquileana 😀
One of the best parts of these stories is that even Gods can’t withstand the constant pleading of a son! Young boys love to seek adventure and parents are usually powerless to stop them.
Exactly!… That’s the ending moral of the story and you have described it perfectly!… Thank you very much for your clever insights!. Have a great week ahead, Gallivanta, best wishes, Aquileana 😀
A good week to you too Aquileana.
That’s beautiful about the Heliades transformation. I’ll never look at a poplar tree the same way again.
Thanks for the ready-witted insights on the Heliades, dear Julie ⭐
All the very best to you!, Aquileana 😀
Foarte interesante si bine documentate articolele despre mitologia greaca. E doar un hobby? Felicitari pentru munca de cercetare depusa. Impresionant.
Hi Sebastian!… Yes Greek Mythology is a hobby, a personal interest I would say!.
Thank you very much for your thoughtful words over here. I much appreciate them ⭐
Best wishes to you, Aquileana 😀
What a great Masterpiece Aquileana 🙂
Thank you very much dear Jake… I am happy to know that you liked this post!. All the best to you, Aquileana 😀
Interesting and insightful, as always. I love hearing about the meanings behind the myths.
Hi Georgia!. Great to know that you enjoye this one… Thank you very much for dropping by. ⭐
Best wishes to you, Aquileana 😀
Thanks @broadblogs for sharing this post at Twitter, Aquileana 🙂
Schönen Dienstag wünscht dir Klaus
Danke… Guten Tag für dich, Klaus!.
Eine Umarmung, Aquileana 😀
Thanks @Amras888 for sharing this post at Twitter,
Aquileana 😛
Thanks @keyrover for sharing this post at Twitter,
Aquileana 😛
Enjoyable reading,l appreciate your efforts to post such work. Greetings.Jalal
Thanks a lot for dropping by and for your comment!.
I truly appreciate your words, Jalal!
Sending you all my best wishes!. Aquileana 🙂
[…] lugar, agradezco a quienes me han nominado: a Luna Quebrada, que me ha otorgado el Premio Dardos; a Aquileana, que lo ha hecho para el Black Wolf Award; tambień a Pablo Mirlo, tanto como a Bell@espíritu, que […]
[…] yesterday, Aquileana at La Audacia de Aquiles nominated me for the Wonderful Team Member Readership Award so I thought this was a good […]
Reblogged this on wwwpalfitness and commented:
She has so much cool stuff
[…] legatee of the carriage. In the same way, Apollo received the Chariot of the Sun, once the sun of Helios became identified with […]
Thank you! I always knew I would draw from your great mythological genius for teaching. My students are reading the Greek myths, and I came to the best place for info, you. ❤
Thanks, my lovely 💝 that means a lot to me. Hope the teaching is going great. I am sure you are a great teacher 💕 love and best wishes xx
I am working on it. ❤ Thanks for visiting you talented sister 😀
The myth has contemporary meaning – thanks Aquileana
Thanks so much, dear Susan. I appreciate it. Glad you enjoyed it and found it relevant nowadays. Love and best wishes 🖤♥️🖤
Love and best wishes to you Aquileana ❤️🌺🐞