Phaeton and the Sun Chariot

Retold by: Leslie and Lily

There once was a boy named Phaeton. He was the happiest boy when his mother told him his father was Apollo. Phaeton’s friends didn’t believe him. They all laughed at him.

Phaeton told his mother. She gave him his father’s location. When he saw his father, Apollo granted him one wish.

Phaeton took the wish. He asked to drive his dad’s golden chariot. His father said, “NO!”

Phaeton reminded his dad that he promised! Soon, his dad said, “Yes.” Apollo put ointment on Phaeton’s face so, Phaeton’s face won’t burn.

His father geared him up for the ride. Apollo told Phaeton not to go to high or to low. Apollo loosened the reins for Phaeton. Then Phaeton flew away.

At first Phaeton got the hang of it. He was making sure he didn’t go too high or too low.

The horses got used to Phaeton. They started going faster and pulling harder.

Phaeton was holding on for dear life. He tried to pull the reins back but he couldn’t!

Phaeton ran into the monsters of the sky. He lost control of the reins and started going down.

The trees caught on fire and the waters evaporated. Zeus saw what was happening and threw a lightning bolt at the chariot.

Zeus threw his mighty lightning bolt. He threw it so hard that Phaeton fell out of the chariot.

Phaeton proved he was right that Apollo was his father but sadly, he died doing it.