Phaethon

For more information on Phaethon, visit Britannica.com.

Phāethon, in Greek myth, son of Helios (Sun) and Clymenē (2). When he grew up he sought out his father who recognized him and offered him his choice of gift. Phaethon asked to be allowed to drive his father's chariot for one day. In spite of Helios' warning he attempted to do so, but soon proved unequal to controlling the horses. They bolted from their course and the earth was in danger of being burnt up, when Zeus intervened and hurled a thunderbolt at Phaethon, who fell into the river Eridanus. His sisters wept for him until they were turned into poplars; their tears, oozing from the trees, hardened into amber.