as his son drifted away, out of sight.

Daedalus whirled high and low searching for Icarus. He skimmed above the sea, calling his son’s name. Soon he spotted dozens of feathers floating sadly on the waves.

Daedalus flew to the island of Sicily where he built a temple in honor of his beautiful son, Icarus.

Illustration of Icarus falling out of the clouds
Greek Myths

Myths are stories about events that happened long ago. Many myths tell how things in nature came to be. Others explain why people do things in a certain way.

Some myths tell the adventures of gods or famous people from long ago. Most heroes in myths were brave warriors, but Daedalus was an architect and inventor. No one knows if he was a real person. If he was, he may have built some of the oldest buildings in Greece.

Greek myths are still popular. The stories continue to be told in plays, movies, books, poems, and art.

Before You Move On

  • 1. Explain Tell how Daedalus plans to escape from the tower with his son.

  • 2. Cause and Effect Why does Daedalus tell Icarus not to fly too close to the sun? What happens when Icarus forgets this warning?

In Other Words

  • skimmed above flew close to

  • dozens a lot

  • temple building to honor a god or hero