Compare & Contrast Myths

Aruna, the charioteer of the sun god, had two sons named Sampati and Jatayu. They were demigods who were born in the form of birds.

When Sampati and Jatayu were young, they loved to compete. They would challenge one another to see who could fly higher. One day, Jatayu flew so high that he came close to the sun. His older brother, Sampati, saw that he was close to being burned. Realizing the danger his brother was in, Sampati spread his large wings to shield Jatayu from the sun’s hot flames.

Though he saved his brother, Sampati himself was injured and he lost his wings. From that day forth, Sampati lived wingless and unable to fly.

Daedalus was the master craftsman for King Minos. But his son, Icarus, did not like working for the king and he begged his father to grant him the freedom of a bird. So, Daedalus built wings of wood, wax, and feathers so that they could fly and be free.

Daedalus warned his son to be cautious. He reminded him that if he flew too close to the ocean, his wings would become wet and heavy. If he flew too close to the sun, the wax would melt.

Icarus agreed to follow Daedalus closely. However, once they were in the air, Icarus forgot his promise to his father and he flew high into the sky. Daedalus shouted to Icarus to stop, but Icarus was too far to hear. As Icarus flew even higher, he felt wax dripping from his wings and saw that the feathers were falling off. He fell from the sky, into the ocean below, never to be seen again.