21st Dec 2024
Phaethon was the child of Helios, the sun-god. His bright yellow hair glimmered like the sun. He laughed as he played with his friends. "I can run faster than you!" he shouted playfully. The other boys responded with teasing voices, "You are just the son of a god, not really special!" Phaethon felt sad, wishing he could prove them wrong.
The next day, Phaethon gazed at the sun while lying under a tree. He thought he saw Helios riding his golden chariot across the sky. “What if I could drive that chariot?” Phaethon wondered. “Then they would believe I am truly the child of the sun-god!” His heart raced with excitement.
He made his journey to find the palace where Helios lived. It was a long trek, but he finally arrived to see the golden palace of the sun-god. Phaethon stood in awe, taking in the dazzling lights and sparkly decorations. Suddenly, he spotted Helios on a throne, shining and majestic, surrounded by bright lights and colors.
Phaethon approached Helios, who wore a magnificent crown of sparkling jewels. With a hopeful smile, Phaethon introduced himself. "I wish to drive your chariot, father!" he pleaded. Helios, noticing the determination in Phaethon's eyes, agreed, but worry flickered across his face.
The chariot was stunning, made of pure gold, gleaming brightly in the sunlight. The Hours brought out the powerful horses that were fiery and wild. Phaethon felt a rush of bravery. “I can do this!” he thought, ignoring the warnings of caution echoing in his mind.
As he grabbed the reins, the horses charged forward, pulling the golden chariot into the sky. At first, it felt amazing! “Look at me!” Phaethon cheered, soaring through the clouds. But soon, he realized he was struggling to control the wild creatures beneath him.
The horses raced faster, swerving madly out of control. Phaethon was panicking as sparks flew from their nostrils. The sun grew hotter, and soon the earth began to burn. Forests caught fire, rivers dried up, and smoke filled the sky.
“Help!” Phaethon cried in fear. His heart raced as he struggled to stop the unstoppable chariot. He felt the flames on his own hair, terrified by the destruction he was causing below.
High above, Jupiter took notice of the chaos. A loud clap of thunder echoed, and Phaethon fell from the chariot, plunging into the river Eridanus. As he sank, his heart was heavy, realizing his mistake. His sisters, the Heliades, cried for him, their tears turning into drops of amber, forever mourning their lost brother.