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Glite Dictionary
☀️ Mythical son 🕊️ A seabird
Phaethon

Phaethon

1 9.9
Son of the sun god who loses control of the sun chariot and dies
  • proper noun
  • /ˈfeɪθən/
  • Literature
translation icon : Faetón
  • The Voyage, then, was undertaken: and the Astronauts (for thus were they designated) rose in their fiery Chariot like so many Phaethons, alighted at length upon the lunar surface, and returned safe to relate their adventures.

Examples

  • In Greek mythology, Phaethon was the son of Helios who tragically lost control of the sun chariot.

  • The story of Phaethon serves as a cautionary tale about hubris in Greek mythology.

  • According to legend, Phaethon was punished for his reckless behavior by the gods in the sky.

Compounds

genus Phaethon
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of seabirds called tropicbirds with long tail feathers

Surface Forms

Phaethon main

Etymology

Phaethon is a Greek name that means 'shining', and it carries the same idea of light you see in photo and photon. So his story of trying to drive the sun's chariot fits the name and explains why he is linked to the sun.