Daedalus & Icarus
* The Oxford Reference Dictionary (1986)
| DAEDALUS/DAIDALOS* | Daedalus & Icarus |
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Daedalus
(Daidalos) (Gk legend) a craftsman who is said to have built the
labyrinth for Minos, king of Crete. Minos imprisoned him and his son
Icarus, but they escaped on wings which Daedalus made. Icarus was
killed when he flew so near the sun that the wax attaching his wings was
melted and he fell into the Aegean Sea, but Daedalus reached Sicily
safely. Daedalus was considered the inventor of carpentry and of
such things as the saw, axe, plumb-line, auger and glue, as well as the
mast and yards of boats, and is credited with making figures which had
open eyes, walked and moved their arms. It is uncertain whether a
historical artist gave rise to the legends, or whether Daedalus is a mythological
figure representing accomplished craftsmanship.
* The Oxford Reference Dictionary (1986) |