I sing of Phaethon, born of Klymene.
He thought he can control the steeds of the gods,
Thought himself equal to his father,
But hubris got him in the end.

The son of Helios and the son of Zeus were quarreling,
Each thought their blood was better than the others.
Epaphus challenged Phaethon to drive the chariot of Helios,
To prove him wrong.

Inside the gilded palace of the sun,
Phaethon confronted his father.
Helios swore by the River Styx,
And was given the use of his chariot.

The boy’s grip wasn’t strong enough,
And he lost control of the horses.
Fear raced through his body,
As Chaos took control.

The cool stars burned bright red,
While turning Africa into a desert.
Cities turned to ash,
Entire kingdoms were destroyed

Mighty Zeus sensed the confusion,
With a thunderbolt the boy fell to earth.
Buried on the banks of the River Eridanos.
The nymphs to this day watch over his grave.

-hierax