Icarus: The Flight And Fall - The Meaning Behind The Story (Greek Mythology Explained)

Today we look at one of the most famous stories in Greek Mythology, the flight of Icarus. Hopefully by the end of today we can understand the meanings behind the story and why it continues to resonate with so many people even to this day.
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➧ Twitter - / mythsexplained

[@bea7177]

I️ always thought it as a sad tale, not a cautionary tale. Icarus was a young boy who was mesmerized by the sun after being in captivity for so long. He flew too close to the warmth, and fell into the sea. I️ also always thought that it was a reminder that we are but human, and we will never to able to touch the sun-only forever reaching for it.

[@MythologyFictionExplained]

I think that's a fairly reasonable interpretation of the story.

[@olddoggeleventy2718]

Not so much the destination as it is the journey getting there, kinda sorta something like that?

[@DarkFox_-zg2hg]

Love this

[@cuteanimegirl3700]

b that's hindu story

[@Libunaop]

We can get to the moon but we can only admire the sun from a far

[@Xx_koRnstar_xX]

I just remembered a poem that I read a while back, I am Icarus Many people see my death as a tragedy That is very wrong In my opinion, they did not tell you when Apollo gave me wings They did not tell you I knew I would burn in flames I knew, you see I knew the agony I would face And as I fell, I knew I did it for the sun As hot burning wax slithered down my spine, as seductive kisses of agony peppered my skin and muscle I laughed I laughed as where I saw beauty others saw pain I loved it you see, it was addictive And even Dionysus would marvel at my insanity There is no beauty without pain And now as I wait for judgment in the land of Hades I ask myself, was it worth the fall for the sun? And I answer yes Yes it was

[@gatsbymaguire]

Beautiful, it brings a tear to my eye.

[@jaystone5036]

I loved this one...

[@Alexiety-]

this is undoubtably my favorite version

[@marzd5215]

tears are rolling down my face

[@dakfo4]

Pedro Ferreira 👍

[@jasmineunique3961]

What I get from this story is don’t get so high up in life that you get carried away and forget that you aren’t invincible.

[@joexuereb607]

Icarus attached the wings to his back by using wax. This was fine but at one point, he got near enough to the sun that the wax melted and the wings fell off.

[@Kameronathan]

It's so nice to see a 'creator on the rise' that doesn't make the same generic uninspired trendy videos everyone else is doing.

[@Panteni87]

You have overlooked the meaning of flying too close to the sea, and becoming too heavy to fly. I have never heard what the meaning of this was, but after many years of looking into symbolism I have "concocted" why they were warned not to fly too close to the sea. Water is often seen as the symbol for emotions and the inner workings of humans, and my idea is, that if you fly too low your wings (freedom, movement and power) would be filled with emotional feelings that i associate with depression. And those dark emotions would stop you from flying steadfast (living free).

[@jorgepeterbarton]

its like an opposite. over confidence or over optimism is near the sun. depression, underconfidence, insipidness and negativism is too low, maybe? we all know theres a middle ground of realism and a balance between control and emotions! dont get swept off by dreams but also dont crush them all.

[@wendychavez5348]

I always thought that he perished because he flew too close to the sun--it was necessary to fly over the sea, and he was warned to avoid flying too close to the sun so as not to get overwhelmed by its power. When he forgot the warning and soared too high, his support melted away and he was dashed into the sea and overcome with its darkness, so your point does hold, though it comes from a different angle than I think is implied by the story of Icarus.

[@abdullahalwakil8571]

@@wendychavez5348 i think the angles we look at now! Might be the original myth after like a 1000 year or something

[@jakemorrison8507]

That's brilliant man

[@OneMeInMyself]

yesss this is so clever!!!

[@auroramartell]

I love this myth, and you tell it very well.

[@endermenon4836]

Icarus grew too overconfident, and ended up flying too close to the sun like a fool. So, from my understanding, the moral of Icarus' story is "Don't get cocky, or you'll pay for it dearly".

[@endermenon4836]

That too.

[@gadfly1357]

I agree to an extent but, if you don't think big ideas sometimes, you will stay small....

[@gadfly1357]

@Edgar Panjaitan Thank you man. I still respect your right to insult me and my father.

[@Greekhalo2010]

“Pride comes before the fall” is a saying in Germany

[@enel9152]

@@gadfly1357 my respect for you just went📈📈📈📈📈📈📈📈 you king 👑👑💎💎🥶🥶🥶🥶

[@shuamaral936]

When I was young, all I wondered was why didn't they fly during the night? The wings wouldn't melt and they would never be seen. The king would always think they were in the maze, so he'd never go after them and they wouldn't have to hide

[@danielvelkovski3156]

Shu Amaral with what night-vision goggles lol?

[@xxxMobiusxxx]

@@danielvelkovski3156 by the light of the full moon you can see your shadow, and if you learn your constellations it's fairly easy to navigate.

[@abdullahalwakil8571]

I like when people argue things that doesnt make sense, but it makes sense! I dont know

[@anteatereater4788]

They wouldn't be able to see

[@trentonspess2649]

At night, the air above the ocean becomes filled with moisture without the suns heat evaporating it. The moisture would cause the wings to be too heavy to fly

[@verasweeney]

I was just talking about this with my daughter. Hamilton references him in the play and after we saw it - she wanted to know more about the story.

[@lenastorm6280]

"You have married an Icarus, he has flown to close to the sun." - Angelica in "Burn". Love that part!

[@reccaorduna4688]

same

[@lutube7897]

EWWWWWWWW HAMILTON IS THE WORST

[@fernandadiz.1704]

I always thought he did it on purpose... He knew that the moment he landed he would've continued to be persecuted until cought, because of his father's choices. He had been imprisoned for so long, he chose to live a full life, if only for a second, instead of a lifetime of a half life

[@navegantestelar]

The point you regarding the connection between the story of Icarus and instant gratification was a great one. Never saw it explained through that way. Thank you for the great video.

[@sunburstwolfdog]

I like the duality of the sun and the ocean most people seem to gloss over. It's a lession of becoming your own person in youth. Flying too high to the sun represented being too countercultural and falling due to taking too many risks, but flying too low also represented being too mainstream and becoming a sheep to your surroundings, both would Fate the flightful to room in their life. It's not just about youthful vigor, but about finding a balance.

[@ripmythos1952]

Never thought I would see a mythology channel explaining great stories like Icarus. I love reading mythology stories Greek, Norse, Egyptians and many more. Keep up with your great videos.

[@Cuntstantine]

I love your narration. It's by no means monotonous, and instead thorough yet brief. You summarize the point of the story so well

[@x3ntertwined]

“You’ve married an icarus, he was flown too close to the sun” BEST HAMILTON LYRICS! XD

[@universalcontent1842]

Literally was just singing that

[@NovaGamingFN]

Thats the reason o seaeched this up

[@letsstartinvesting806]

Also the reason I searched it. 😂

[@sesshomaru123456789]

Now the crowd breaks and a young boy appears Looks the old man in the eye As he spreads his wings and shouts at the crowd "In the name of God my father, I fly!" His eyes seem so glazed As he flies on the wings of a dream Now he knows his father betrayed Now his wings turn to ashes to ashes his grave Fly on your way like an eagle Fly as high as the sun On your way, like an eagle Fly, touch the sun

[@GSlice37]

I would say it also says alot about the sins of the father being faced by he son. Daedalus was known for his hubris and can you imagine the biting agony the gods imposed, Icarus was only locked away because of him, the boy finally tasted sweet freedom and was punished for it

[@sleepyheadses]

I always saw it as "Pride cometh before the fall". Awesome video, love the art used!

[@adamivester9789]

sleepyheadses goeth before the fall

[@blueschild61]

I'm so glad I found your channel! Thank you for taking the time to upload this. I can't wait to find out what happened to Daedalus.

[@Jivesh7239]

like if you came here after Zayn's new album "Icarus Falls"

[@carolinerozario]

Me, I like seeing stuff about zayn's album and then landed up here 👁👄👁

[@ahmadrizk4043]

The way you tell the tale , the great choice of background music and the morals that we take from it , you've earned my subscription son thank you

[@kellikrall7632]

Absolutely lovely and accurately shared. The concepts and themes are also easily shared and discussed. Thank you!

[@charlotteweyrauch2975]

I love the myth of Icarus. In my opinion the story can be seen as beautiful and inspiring rather than tragic . We can do everything, even the impossible such as flying but we have to give it time, slowly grow with our ideas and dreams, not take everything at ones. But we still can do everything that we dream of...

[@jj.015magicchessexpert9]

Subscribed before watching video bc of the awesome concept

[@TheGamerfreak]

Like always amazing video. I learned so much just from watching you're videos.

[@Tellmetomorrow]

Just found this channel subscribed instantly, you tell the story’s so well thank you so much.

[@erika8349]

Just saw your channel as "creator on the rise" and so far I loved this video! Mythology and religious meanings, creatures, and symbols have always been a favorite interest of mine :) Looking forward to more of your work!

[@evellarddelgado8844]

You are awesome. Keep the videos up!!! Learning a lot.

Very informative and very well done. Thank you for sharing the story and insights.

[@IamwhoIam333]

I loved your art work and you kept the story short and easy to understand. Not many can do that. Thank you for sharing this with the World.

[@bittersprout3694]

its like the mythology of th Phoenix but in reverse... Instead of 'rise from the ashes' we get 'fall from grace' ...The yin to the Phoenix's yang (...at least...in terms of success)

[@gabbpolicarpio1236]

Great comment. Love it.! 15th like here

[@nitaperez4477]

I just subscribed to your channel and I love it ❤❤

[@matthewmanetti8560]

dude your channel is IT. really appreciate it

[@chrysikastanaki4809]

thank you, I am Greek and felt that you analysed the story very thoroughly whereby narration and images made this a pleasant trip to my ancient mythology heritage

[@iiAzT3Cii]

The one time KZbin recommendations actually recommended me something interesting.

[@HardWire1989]

I have a son myself and this story will help me teach him how to utilize what Icarus didn't learn himself

[@ikazuchioni]

YEY! A new video! Clicked "like" even before watching!

[@robmartin2723]

Excellent production and clear explanation of the story!

[@Princia_xo]

You have married an *Icarus* he has flown to close to the sun- 'Burn' Hamilton

[@eldiablo786]

R/unexpectedhamilton

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

Icarus:I believe I can fly, I believe I can touch the sky. Died later because he believed R. Kelly.p

[@razoredge8256]

+kirby march Bercena that's thanks to Apollo who can tune down his chariot. i mean, just let the poor kid fly, you helium head!!!!!!!!!!

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

razor edge Too bad parachutes weren't invented yet.

[@razoredge8256]

+kirby march Bercena or maybe Apollo is hitting on poor Icarus. like the sun, he goes both way.

[@jupiterrising1858]

ikr

[@KingDomCame]

kirby march Barcena haha

[@keyshyia1598]

I remember this story from school a long time ago. It’s nice to hear it again. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

[@dandimit5104]

Thanks for the clarification on the different meanings of this story. I’m subbed now.

[@jessc2282]

Mad for this channel! Great work

[@ChewOnThis]

Your channel is awesome! I really like what you're doing!

[@michelle-lo5pz]

Amazing video. Your voice is so soothing!

[@CatholicismRules]

Have you done "Meaning Behind The Story" videos before? I haven't started to watch the video and I can't watch for a while (got homework to finish), but I like the idea. Carl Jung, I think, did the same thing with stories and alchemy texts. I think this would be a great series! Before I start the video, I'd like to say that you can relate the idea of "μηδὲν ἄγαν," meaning "Nothing in excess," written on the temple to Apollo in Delphi, to the story of Icarus. Fly to far in either direction and you'll fall. EDIT: 6 minutes isn't too much, so I just went ahead and watched video. Nice job!

[@hiinternet3031]

Thanks for making these lovely and cool videos!

[@estreliasoriano5308]

One of the famous mythology with best moral of the story. Well said.

[@jesusbalderas329]

Red bull gets you wings.

[@paddystafford7977]

Thanks for the explanation. Always to keep a heed!

[@daviddjjoseph1959]

Very great video that opens my understanding to a new way of thought

[@davidjacobs8744]

Great job on these.

[@vroyen]

Great summary.

[@RiinyDit]

I loved the connection to instant gratification. Very well spoken.

[@valizeth4073]

Mythology has always been a great deal for me. I remember my grandpa telling tales of ancient greek mythology and our norse mythology. Now that my norse mythology tattoo sleeve is done I'm so excited on getting a greek one featuring icarus fall among other tales

[@BrittanyDeNee22]

Man, I love this channel

[@benjihollister]

love your channel. Cheers

[@ragnarlothbrook2969]

Another awesome video. Thank you much

[@brunobucciarati834]

FIRST AND I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL!

[@shanehopkins9243]

It seems both ironic and apropos that in the last few weeks I've been hearing this story and taking more personal interest in it because of where I currently am in my life. It really just feels like a stark reminder of a concept that I'm very aware of.

[@vinnquinn3874]

Im glad you explained this and I’m glad I found this video. In fact I’ve been doing a lot of theory work on BTS’s music videos and storyline, which include paintings of Icarus, so this is definitely useful. A little odd that it popped up around the same time that I started wondering about the paintings, though lol.

[@americangirl548]

ARMY!! I’ve also been wondering about the storyline of BTS’s music and MVs.

[@vinnquinn3874]

Rebecca Alvarez Yes! They are honestly so deep that I just can’t help but look up stuff like this, even though the paintings show up for a couple seconds and seem a little meaningless, but you never know...

[@americangirl548]

Ravin Bole yeah I find that really interesting!!

[@annika5495]

Same here lol!

[@supanova2972]

Same here I instantly thought of Icarus after seeing the scares on taehyungs back in the bst mv

[@MarkATorres1989]

From the Icarus story, the meaning I took from it was. Will you dare to go beyond your limits? A high risk and high reward meaning to me. One that dares to challenge their limits and succeed or fail due to either hubris or being unprepared for the consequences.

[@davidskipper4267]

Amazing facts and good idea for this myth that you posted 😄👍

[@andrealentz1857]

Hi I only recently found your channel, but I adore your content, your voice, and your personality. I used to have my boyfriend read me Mythology until I fell asleep, but he can't now so you help me to get sleep most nights. I'm so grateful for you. Thank you so much, love. Please keep trying even when it gets hard you are destined to great things and your gonna make it. I'm sure of it. Thank you again, dear.

[@MythologyFictionExplained]

Thank you for the kind words, I'm glad the channel is having a positive effect on people.

[@andrealentz1857]

Mythology & Fiction Explained oh wow... Ive never had a KZbinr I love actually reply! You jus made my day doll! You're phenomenal!

[@MythologyFictionExplained]

I've always tried to reply to all the comments left of my videos but now with more people watching and commenting it is getting a tad more difficult lol.

[@andrealentz1857]

Mythology & Fiction Explained I'd imagine, but at least your getting a bigger audience so that's great! I appreciate you taking the time to reply to me. I assure with all sincerity that you are my favorite youtuber at this time I can't wait to continue to watch your channel grow ❤

[@euiiiiiu]

I ENJOYED YOU TELLING THE STORY OF ICARUS . NICE LESSON.

[@tommy30507]

Thank you for a great video!

[@osokmickey1875]

Thank you for the moral lessons🙏

[@MM-to7mx]

You have a great voice, very soothing.

[@carlaclark6228]

I ,too, really enjoyed this and subscribed.

[@jamesshellshear8325]

Great stuff. My class loved it. Especially Lucas,

[@Mike-Primus7777]

nice job telling this story nice art work as well

[@balajiedbiamz7997]

Thank you for this

[@dulcet_lemn6466]

Your videos are so cool :D

[@O-Dini]

Excellent

[@kamonigreen5674]

I love all of your content

[@katakesh8566]

Personally I like to think Icarus' wings were burned by ice as opposed to being melted by heat. As heat would be rather constant close to Earth's surface. While being burned by ice implies the heaviness of the wings, or the burden of short sighted ecstasy

[@writephist3097]

Very insightful.

[@andrewsimonetta7740]

Excellent!

[@notafish7206]

I heard small bits of the story of Icarus and became very curious. You explained this very well, thank you.

[@AmyAnthonyMusic]

This is so good!!!

[@slothz5063]

You sir have a funny acccent, i do like my things with a funny accent, and i do have a funny accent as well. You gained a new subscriber!

[@olddoggeleventy2718]

you are hilarious...just from reading your comment...lol

[@Friendship1nmillion]

I don't feel this narrator has "a funny accent". Regardless of how you feel about your voice, I feel your comment here is Rude 😡. I don't feel this narrator has a defining accent. I like his voice though. 🗣🦚💭🦜☄

[@samisalem4378]

@@Friendship1nmillion wowww your sensitive as fuck . Chill out

[@juanmontero8411]

once again another great video

[@benb3316]

In the myths Deadalus was imprisoned for doing a "Favor" for the queen. Remember the queen had an unnatural lust for a prize bull. Not - technically - her fault - it was a curse by Poseidon because he'd wanted the bull (which he gave) to the king to be sacrificed to him - as the king had promised... So, disobey will of gods, get horrible wrath. But, instead of "All will die" which Poseidon was quite good at - usually he washed away an island or destroyed ships for a slight insult - he twisted the King's "Love" of the prize bull against him. So, his wife was loving/lusting after the bull. But how to be with it without being gored or stomped to death? Enter Deadalus, always eager to please especially royalty... So he made this "Calf Suit" that let the queen move around and stand the Bull's weight and let just enough of the bull for the Queen to have fun without ripping her innards out... And part of the curse, this thing wasn't just "Internet freak out" thousands of years early - it created the Minotaur. So the King got P.O.'d and imprisoned Deadelus and his Son... They went over it good here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaSVgoOHo9qUfc0 Now, you have awesome vids that I watch - and you got the rest of the Minotaur stuff right...including the bestiality part. Just tie Deadalus to this - even the sanitized (for the 70s/80s) DeLauris illustrated myths told this part...very carefully... "Mommy! So she loved the bull and that costume was to let her get close to it?" "Uhhhhh......"

[@kevinssti694]

Glad to learn about this

[@chriscalvin5083]

great video

[@stevewhitt9109]

I see the moral in Icarus as a balance between complacency and greed. Great video: ten stars!

[@Drewengtheway]

This chanel is awesome and the videos are just tremendously suggestive ... I wouldn't even mind if you monitise those , the quality , and the essentialism is worth the same amount of time in skipping adds ...great job

[@MythologyFictionExplained]

Haha I appreciate the kind words, maybe one day soon they will be monetized.

[@anthonyjemison5016]

great video!

[@OneMeInMyself]

Icarus thinks HE is a God but he can't fly. He can only fly because of artificial wings. Take them away and he is nothing. He prides himself in something that is not him. This is folly. It is like using an aim-bot and thinking you're the best CoD player. And then you get banned.

[@zenkiethan]

Idk if this is possible but what would be an AMAZING youtube collaboration would be you and Top5s, yall both make great interesting content and have soothing voices

[@MythologyFictionExplained]

There are quite a few KZbinrs i'd love to collab with, I don't watch Top5s much but I know he covers a crazy variety of topics which something I'd like to do eventually.

[@GeniusTrillionaire888]

Icarus was the first one to truly embody the power of flight in the world of man.

[@bergamothecrusher3561]

In some versions of the story, the gods were angered that Daedalus and his son were attempting to fly, as only gods or those who the gods chose were allowed to fly. So Apollo, god of the sun, whose chariot carries the sun, rode his chariot a bit closer to earth the day Icarus and his father escaped. The closer sun did its job when Icarus flew too close, and fell. After reaching land safely, Daedalus removed his wings and hung them (in other tales he destroyed them), swearing to never fly again, as he knew the gods had punished him for flying.

[@usernamexax8384]

That’s kinda literally what he explained

[@angkhoanguyen6114]

Apollo is the God of Light, not sun. Helios is the God of Sun.

[@jakhisidberry1746]

I love you channel man. Keep up the hard work. Only problem is audio. Can you try to increase it?

[@MythologyFictionExplained]

I have been slowing increasing the volume over time, if people still feel the videos are too quiet then I can further increase the volume.

[@MarvelousPhilly]

Icarus: The idiot with wings made of WAX. Him being a cocky little bastard and ignoring his wise father, he didn't realize it was getting a bit too damn hot the closer he flew towards the damn SUN. The heat from the sun rays melted his WAX MADE wings, and Icarus The Idiot, fell to his death. Just kidding. I actually liked the story of Icarus. A lesson well learned.

[@simonstergaard]

Very nice.

[@leylaspages]

SOO, who's here because of #icarusfalls 😂? loveya, Zquad

[@alexandermclaughlin4742]

Lol wtf is that? I'm here because mythology

[@leylaspages]

@@alexandermclaughlin4742 album of the year 2018.. duh

[@neilnova2062]

Zquad here ✋

[@carolinerozario]

@@alexandermclaughlin4742 Zayn Malik's album "icarus falls"

[@onemanarmy8499]

Ty and subbed.

[@brunobucciarati834]

Can you make a video about Eros and Psyche, please? ^-^

[@hyruleanshero7579]

Shiori Jeon thats a good story i read that one very good

[@karolosL2P1337]

Eros is love and Psyhi or Psyche is the "soul"

[@amsparz]

I believe he did already

[@jeremywininsky4084]

Wow thats a very good tale heard alot of meanings of it

[@jimheap3678]

Very helpful

[@gsfgggxdjoh8872]

I loved it