Myth of Daedalus in the Aeneid
The myth of Daedalus and his son, Icarus, is briefly mentioned in the Aeneid, Book VI, as Aeneas and his companions approach the island of Sicily. Daedalus is described as a "skilled craftsman" who had fled from Crete after killing his rival, Perdix.
Daedalus's Creation and Flight
Lines 14-19:
> "Here on the cliff, the palace-like abode
> Of strong Daedalus overlooks the flood;
> Where, with a matchless hand, the sculptor raised
> His airy tower, and on its summit placed
> A mimic heaven; so close the marble seemed,
> The curious eye, deceived, believed it beamed."
Escape from Crete
Lines 22-23:
> "The boy was cautious; but his active sire,
> Tost in his double task, forgot his care;
> And, till they felt the sun's meridian ray,
> His task imperfect and his flight delay."
Daedalus's Warning to Icarus
Lines 33-34:
> "Stay, Icarus! the middle way pursue:
> Nor sink too low, nor soar too high; the dew
> Will clog thy wings with moisture; heat will dry
> And melt the waxy plumes, and thou must die."
Icarus's Disobedience and Fall
Lines 36-40:
> "The stripling heedless of his father's care,
> To highest heav'n ascended, sailed the air;
> A burning glory then his eyes beguiled,
> Which from the sun displays its dazzling shield;
> The melting wax his pinions here forsook,
> His naked arms are spread in vain to brook
> Th' unpitying wave, he gave a dreadful shriek
> And in his fall was lost and sought in vain."