Which figure from Greek mythology flew too close to the sun?

Icarus.

In Greek mythology, the figure who flew too close to the sun was Icarus. The tale of Icarus is one of the most enduring and well-known myths, illustrating themes of hubris, ambition, and the consequences of overreaching one’s limits. The story of Icarus is closely tied to that of his father, Daedalus, who was a master craftsman and inventor.

According to the myth, Daedalus and Icarus were imprisoned on the island of Crete by King Minos. Daedalus had previously constructed the Labyrinth to house the Minotaur, a monstrous creature that was part man and part bull. King Minos, wishing to keep the secrets of the Labyrinth safe, detained Daedalus and his son to prevent them from ever leaving the island and revealing its mysteries.

In his quest for freedom, Daedalus devised a plan to escape. Using his skills as an inventor, he crafted two pairs of wings made from feathers and wax. He instructed Icarus on how to use the wings, warning him not to fly too close to the sun or too close to the sea. The heat of the sun would melt the wax, and the dampness of the sea would soak the feathers, both leading to disaster.

Despite his father’s warnings, Icarus, exhilarated by the sensation of flight, soared higher and higher. As he flew too close to the sun, the heat melted the wax that held his wings together. As a result, the feathers began to fall off, and Icarus plummeted into the sea below, drowning in what is now known as the Icarian Sea, near the island of Icaria.

The story of Icarus serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of overambition and the need for moderation and heedfulness. It highlights the importance of listening to wise counsel and respecting natural limits. The myth has been referenced in various cultural and artistic works throughout history, symbolizing the fine line between human aspiration and recklessness.