Phaeton, praising and claiming to be direct descendant of Phoebus (Helios / the Sun God) became an arrogant young boy used to boastful talking about his and his father's achievements. Once, a man sick and tired of hearing young Phaeton, defied him to give true proof of his transcendent lineage. Phaeton was out of words; a mix of anger and shame filled his body. He suddenly realized that the only proof he really had was the story her mother Clymene once told him: "my dear son, you are are the result of a beautiful affair I had with mighty Sun".
This time, Clymene's words wouldn't be able to fulfill Phaeton's desire: he needed to know for himself he was the true son of Phoebus.
Guided by his mother, Phaeton reaches Phoebus' radiant palace. Picture the Sun's royal seat, an imposing building with towering columns resplendent in glittering gold and blazing bronze: "O Phoebus my father, if you will allow me to call you my father, grant me a sign whereby all men must believe that I'm truly your son, and banish this doubt from my own mind".
Phoebus answered: 'Your mother hasn't fooled you, you are truly mine, and in order to back my words I promise to give you anything you ask for".
Phaeton didn't hesitate: "I want to ride the chariot that gives light and heat to Earth, just for one day".
Phoebus wished he had never pronounced those words. The horses that move the chariot are ungovernable, not even great Jove (Zeus) himself can perform the task. Phoebus begged the mortal youngster to withdraw his demand and chose wisely, but he wouldn't do. Phoebus had sworn by the Stygian marsh (*), so he had no choice but to give Phaeton the reins to the chariot. The destiny of mother Earth was, for a day, in the hands of young Phaeton.
The chariot took off. Not long after, the four horse team that pulled the vehicle sensed the strong hands of Phoebus were not in the reins. They ran wild, scorching one and again at random. Phaeton lacked not only the skill to drive the chariot, but also the line of the route the Sun had to draw. Every time the horses went high into the sky, the day became night and people on Earth started to freeze. When the chariot described a path near the Earth's surface, rivers ran dry, trees turned into fire, and ice melted into water.
Mighty Zeus saw the conflagration that was devastating mother Earth, and with no hesitation took one of his thunderbolts and threw it to the chariot's driver. Phaeton immediately died, and harmony was reestablished on Earth.
It is said that once, in Paheton's uncontrollable journey through the sky, the chariot came so close to the Earth, that lands beneath lost all its moisture, turning vast areas into pure sand. This place later became known as 'Northern Africa'. Humans living nearby got their blood about to boil, and their skin turned dark forever.
...
(*) When a god gave their word "by the River Styx", they were making an oath unable to be broken.
This spot - located in the depth of Hell - was also known as the Stygian Marsh.
Story found in Ovid's Metamorphoses
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As a new journey is beginning...(the new year)
ReplyDeleteI´d like to share with u this poem, written by the greek poet C.P.Cavafy in 1911.
Ithaca was the island where the greek heroe "Odiseo" lived. After the War of Troy, Odiseo began a journey of adventures, new lessons, and challenge.
C.P.Cavafy wrote this poem for the travelers who start a new trip, as a song to give breath to them...
Ithaca
When you set out on your journey to Ithaca,
pray that the road is long,
full of adventure, full of knowledge.
The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,
the angry Poseidon -- do not fear them:
You will never find such as these on your path,
if your thoughts remain lofty, if a fine
emotion touches your spirit and your body.
The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,
the fierce Poseidon you will never encounter,
if you do not carry them within your soul,
if your soul does not set them up before you.
Pray that the road is long.
That the summer mornings are many, when,
with such pleasure, with such joy
you will enter ports seen for the first time;
stop at Phoenician markets,
and purchase fine merchandise,
mother-of-pearl and coral, amber and ebony,
and sensual perfumes of all kinds,
as many sensual perfumes as you can;
visit many Egyptian cities,
to learn and learn from scholars.
Always keep Ithaca in your mind.
To arrive there is your ultimate goal.
But do not hurry the voyage at all.
It is better to let it last for many years;
and to anchor at the island when you are old,
rich with all you have gained on the way,
not expecting that Ithaca will offer you riches.
Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage.
Without her you would have never set out on the road.
She has nothing more to give you.
And if you find her poor, Ithaca has not deceived you.
Wise as you have become, with so much experience,
you must already have understood what Ithacas mean.
Constantine P. Cavafy (1911)