Activity Overview
Icarus’ tragic story is no outlier in Greek mythology. Its plot, characters, and theme closely resemble those of the myth of Phaëthon. Studying these two myths in conjunction can help students solidify their understanding of Classical mythology. Have students use a storyboard grid to compare various aspects of Icarus’ and Phaëthon’s stories. Have students use a square and text box overlay to explain the similarities between the two myths.
Icarus’ tale also connects to many other similarly-themed stories. Consider comparing it to the myth of Prometheus or Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
Comparison of Icarus and Phaëthon
| PHAËTHON & ICARUS | |
|---|---|
| CHARACTERS | Both Phaëthon and Icarus are young sons of important men. Phaëthon is the son of the god, Apollo, while Icarus is the son of Daedalus, a clever, mortal inventor. Neither boy achieves much in life. Both are famous for their failures rather than their accomplishments. |
| TRAGIC FLAWS | Phaethon and Icarus share the tragic flaws of heedlessness and hubris. Both boys fail to listen to the good advice of their parents. Phaëthon ignores his father's urging not to drive his sun chariot; Icarus forgets his father's directions not to fly to close to the sun. Their heedless disregard for their parents' wisdom is truly tragic. Some scholars also argue that both characters are brought low by hubris, or excessive pride. Phaëthon's pride is obvious in his arrogant demand to take on the role of a god. Icarus' hubris is more symbolic. His sin of flying too high represents human ambition that has gone too far. In trying to fly, Icarus and his father are making themselves more powerful than humans are meant to be. The recognition that man was not intended to fly is further suggested by Daedalus' gesture of leaving the wings in the temple of Apollo. |
| TERRIBLE FATES | Both boys plummet to their deaths as a result of their own mistakes. Phaethon dies when Zeus throws a thunderbolt at him to stop him from destroying the earth in Apollo's sun chariot. He falls to earth in a ball of fire. Icarus dies when the wax melts from his manufactured wings and he falls like lead into the sea below, eventually drowning. |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard comparing and contrasting "Icarus and Daedalus" with another text.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Identify different characteristics to compare.
- In one column, describe how those characteristics appear in "Icarus and Daedalus".
- In the other column, describe how the characteristics appear in your chosen text.
- Illustrate each example with characters, scenes, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison Analysis | Text and images include a clear explanation of similarities and/or differences between the categories or topics. These comparisons go beyond superficial elements and show strong understanding. | Text and images include an explanation of similarities and/or differences between the categories or topics, but the explanation may lack clarity or show only superficial understanding in some squares. | Text and images may include no explanation of similarities and/or differences, or they may make only superficial or inaccurate comparisons. |
| Storyboard Image and Effort | Student clearly shows effort to convey the setting, characters and specific scene of the book. The scene is clearly identifiable based on the graphic depiction. | Student attempts to convey the setting, characters, and specific scene through use of graphics, but the depiction may be confusing, disordered, or lack some detail. | Student does not clearly convey the setting, characters, and scene. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Student uses exemplary spelling and grammar. There are no errors. | Student makes one or two minor errors in spelling and grammar. | Student makes multiple errors in spelling and grammar. |
Activity Overview
Icarus’ tragic story is no outlier in Greek mythology. Its plot, characters, and theme closely resemble those of the myth of Phaëthon. Studying these two myths in conjunction can help students solidify their understanding of Classical mythology. Have students use a storyboard grid to compare various aspects of Icarus’ and Phaëthon’s stories. Have students use a square and text box overlay to explain the similarities between the two myths.
Icarus’ tale also connects to many other similarly-themed stories. Consider comparing it to the myth of Prometheus or Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
Comparison of Icarus and Phaëthon
| PHAËTHON & ICARUS | |
|---|---|
| CHARACTERS | Both Phaëthon and Icarus are young sons of important men. Phaëthon is the son of the god, Apollo, while Icarus is the son of Daedalus, a clever, mortal inventor. Neither boy achieves much in life. Both are famous for their failures rather than their accomplishments. |
| TRAGIC FLAWS | Phaethon and Icarus share the tragic flaws of heedlessness and hubris. Both boys fail to listen to the good advice of their parents. Phaëthon ignores his father's urging not to drive his sun chariot; Icarus forgets his father's directions not to fly to close to the sun. Their heedless disregard for their parents' wisdom is truly tragic. Some scholars also argue that both characters are brought low by hubris, or excessive pride. Phaëthon's pride is obvious in his arrogant demand to take on the role of a god. Icarus' hubris is more symbolic. His sin of flying too high represents human ambition that has gone too far. In trying to fly, Icarus and his father are making themselves more powerful than humans are meant to be. The recognition that man was not intended to fly is further suggested by Daedalus' gesture of leaving the wings in the temple of Apollo. |
| TERRIBLE FATES | Both boys plummet to their deaths as a result of their own mistakes. Phaethon dies when Zeus throws a thunderbolt at him to stop him from destroying the earth in Apollo's sun chariot. He falls to earth in a ball of fire. Icarus dies when the wax melts from his manufactured wings and he falls like lead into the sea below, eventually drowning. |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard comparing and contrasting "Icarus and Daedalus" with another text.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Identify different characteristics to compare.
- In one column, describe how those characteristics appear in "Icarus and Daedalus".
- In the other column, describe how the characteristics appear in your chosen text.
- Illustrate each example with characters, scenes, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison Analysis | Text and images include a clear explanation of similarities and/or differences between the categories or topics. These comparisons go beyond superficial elements and show strong understanding. | Text and images include an explanation of similarities and/or differences between the categories or topics, but the explanation may lack clarity or show only superficial understanding in some squares. | Text and images may include no explanation of similarities and/or differences, or they may make only superficial or inaccurate comparisons. |
| Storyboard Image and Effort | Student clearly shows effort to convey the setting, characters and specific scene of the book. The scene is clearly identifiable based on the graphic depiction. | Student attempts to convey the setting, characters, and specific scene through use of graphics, but the depiction may be confusing, disordered, or lack some detail. | Student does not clearly convey the setting, characters, and scene. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Student uses exemplary spelling and grammar. There are no errors. | Student makes one or two minor errors in spelling and grammar. | Student makes multiple errors in spelling and grammar. |
How Tos about Comparison of Icarus and Phaëthon
How to facilitate a classroom debate on the lessons from Icarus and Phaëthon
Encourage students to form teams representing each myth’s main character. This approach builds critical thinking and speaking skills.
Assign roles and guidelines for respectful discussion
Designate students as debaters, moderators, and audience members. Clear roles keep the debate organized and inclusive.
Provide evidence from the myths to support arguments
Distribute key passages or summaries for students to cite during the debate. Using textual evidence strengthens their points and deepens understanding.
Set a timer for each round of discussion
Limit speaking time per team to ensure everyone participates. Time management keeps the activity focused and fair.
Reflect as a class on the debate’s key takeaways
Lead a discussion or have students write about what they learned. Reflection helps connect the myths’ themes to real-life choices and consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions about Comparison of Icarus and Phaëthon
What are the main similarities between the myths of Icarus and Phaëthon?
Icarus and Phaëthon are both young sons of important figures who suffer tragic fates due to heedlessness and hubris. Both ignore their fathers’ warnings, act recklessly, and ultimately perish as a result, making them classic examples of tragic heroes in Greek mythology.
How can I compare and contrast Icarus and Phaëthon in a classroom lesson?
Use a storyboard grid or a Venn diagram to visually compare their backgrounds, choices, tragic flaws, and outcomes. Have students identify key similarities and differences, then illustrate each point with scenes or quotes from the myths.
What is the tragic flaw shared by Icarus and Phaëthon?
Both Icarus and Phaëthon share the tragic flaws of hubris (excessive pride) and heedlessness (not listening to advice), which lead to their downfalls and deaths.
Why are Icarus and Phaëthon considered examples of hubris in Greek mythology?
Hubris means extreme pride or arrogance. Icarus shows hubris by flying too high despite warnings, while Phaëthon arrogantly demands to drive the sun chariot. Both overstep human limits, which is punished by the gods.
What classroom activities help students explore the themes of Icarus and Phaëthon?
Have students create storyboards, use comparison charts, or write short essays analyzing the characters’ choices, consequences, and themes like ambition and parental advice. Group discussions and creative illustrations also deepen understanding.
More Storyboard That Activities
Icarus and Daedalus
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