Daedalus and Icarus
The story of Daedalus and Icarus is one that has been told for generations. It is about a brilliant inventor
named Daedalus, who was imprisoned on the island of Crete with his young son, Icarus. They had been
trapped there by King Minos, a ruler who did not want them to leave. Daedalus, who was known for his
cleverness, began to think about how they could escape. After much thought, he devised a plan. He told
Icarus, “We will escape using wings that I will create for both of us.” What an extraordinary idea it was! Using
feathers and wax, Daedalus crafted two sets of wings—one for himself and one for his son. When they were
ready, he showed Icarus how to use them. But before they took flight, Daedalus gave Icarus a very serious
warning. “Listen carefully,” he said, “Do not fly too close to the sun, or the heat will melt the wax. Do not fly
too close to the sea, either, or the dampness will ruin your wings.” Icarus, who was young and full of energy,
nodded, though he may not have fully understood how important his father’s warning was. As they soared
into the sky, each of them felt an incredible sense of freedom. Daedalus flew steadily, carefully keeping to
the middle path. He looked back often to check on Icarus, who seemed to be enjoying himself far too much.
At first, Icarus followed his father’s lead, but soon he began to climb higher and higher. Who could resist the
thrill of flying so high? “Look, Father!” he shouted, as his excitement overtook him. Daedalus called back,
“No, Icarus! Come down! You must not go so high!” But the wind carried his voice away, and Icarus did not
listen. The higher he flew, the closer he came to the sun. What Daedalus had warned him about began to
happen: the wax holding the feathers together started to melt. Icarus, who had been so full of joy, suddenly
realized he was in danger. He tried to flap his arms, but the feathers fell away. He cried out for his father, but
it was too late. He fell from the sky into the sea, where he drowned. Daedalus, who had watched the tragedy
unfold, flew down as quickly as he could. But there was nothing he could do. His son was gone. Daedalus,
who had tried so hard to save his son, was left heartbroken. What more could a father do? He mourned
Icarus deeply as he continued on his journey. Many people who hear this story reflect on what it teaches us
about ambition, wisdom, and the consequences of ignoring advice. Whoever allows recklessness or pride to
guide them may face the same fate as Icarus. And for Daedalus, who had loved his son, it was a lesson he
would carry with him forever. Everyone who can hear this tale shall feel its warning.