Phaeton and the Chariot of the Sun

Grade 7-9–When a griffin threatens his home, Phaeton hopes to battle the monster, but a rival beats him to the kill. Epaphus then challenges Phaeton's claim to be Phoebus Apollo's son. Phaeton questions his mother, who bids him to seek his divine father. Charmed by this bold, handsome lad, Apollo rashly promises him anything he wants. The boy asks to drive the god's fiery chariot, a journey that ends in tragedy. This retelling is structured in three acts: the home setting, where Phaeton acknowledges his stepfather's wisdom but finds the man too tame; the journey, where the boy has a chance to take his own measure and learn about his weaknesses; and the encounter with Apollo. Cadnum's psychological penetration is most sure in the final section, revealing exactly how both characters get locked into their positions against their better judgment. The writing is pitched to accomplished readers, though the paragraphs contain lots of dialogue. The slightly formal style recalls archaic sources: "Phaeton lifted a clear-voiced greeting." Greek terms add to the ambience, but definitions are clumsily inserted rather than indirectly indicated ("dryad–a wood nymph"). Still, a lot of information on the ancient world is conveyed. Cadnum promises three books based on Ovid's Metamorphoses: if they are like this one, then these myths will draw a few new readers.–Patricia D. Lothrop, St. George's School, Newport, RI
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Gr. 6-12. Cadnum, whose legendary subjects have ranged from Robin Hood to Norse gods, turns his focus to Greek myths in this fictional telling of the story of Phaeton, the teenage son of a mortal mother and sun god Apollo. After his divine parentage is challenged, Phaeton seeks out his father for reassurance. He's overwhelmed by his father's show of paternal love, which includes an offer to fulfill any wish. Phaeton responds by asking to drive Apollo's chariot on its daily trip across the sky. Apollo agrees, but Phaeton is unable to control the blinding power of the vehicle and nearly scorches the earth before Zeus intervenes. Although the narrative is somewhat disjointed, and readers without mythological background may have trouble following along, the story's themes--parental identity, the meaning of glory, how best to show affection--will resonate with contemporary readers. For a smoother retelling of a Greek myth, send teens to Stephanie Spinner's Quiver (2003). Gillian Engberg
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