Metamorphoses · Chapter
Story of Phaeton explained
Phaeton, son of Apollo and Clymene, obtains a rash oath from his father to grant any wish, then demands to drive the sun chariot for a day.
What happens
Phaeton, son of Apollo and Clymene, obtains a rash oath from his father to grant any wish, then demands to drive the sun chariot for a day. Despite Apollo's warnings about the dangers, Phaeton insists. He loses control of the horses, causing chaos in the heavens and on earth. Jupiter intervenes by striking Phaeton with a thunderbolt, hurling him into the river Po.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Telethusa’s de…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Divine Power and Human Folly
Phaeton's reckless demand and Apollo's reluctant oath highlight the folly of humans challenging divine limits.
- Fate and Prophecy
Apollo's warnings and the inevitable catastrophe underscore the inescapable nature of fate.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“The ambitious boy fell thunderstruck from heaven; The horses started with a sudden bound, And flung the reins and chariot to the ground”
Phaeton was struck by Jupiter's thunderbolt and fell from the sky, causing the horses to bolt and the chariot to break apart.
Climactic moment of Phaeton's downfall.
“Keep a stiff rein, and move but gently on: The coursers of themselves will run too fast; Your art must be to moderate their haste.”
Apollo advises Phaeton to hold the reins firmly and drive slowly, as the horses are naturally fast and require careful control.
Apollo's final warning to his son.
