Once again a collection of images, texts and background info about an old and great myth. The story of Icarus & Daedalus is complex and highly symbolic. It contains several layers and aspects I find very interesting:

Daedalus – the great inventor, whose skills are highly praised, but bring only blood and tears to himself and his family.

Evil King – who forces Daedalus to build the labyrinth.

Father and Son – a great family story, how they work together to escape the evil king.

Freedom – you can outwit evil and literally fly into freedom. Great symbolic act.

Inventor – great ideas can give you wings and let you escape your current (dreadful) situation. Outsmart your own destiny.

Wild youth – when youngster go wild and burn themselves – once again in a literal way. Also connects to the old ‘I told you so’ aspect of parenthood.

Burning – you can burn yourself if you get to close to the Gods or being too curious.

Falldown – the higher they fly, the deeper they fall. Also ‘keeping it low – even when you made it’ – so you don’t fall to deep. Daedalus was wise and survived, Icarus was foolish and died.

Moving on – although he lost his son Daedalus continues his life. He also faced his treacherous talents and prayed to the gods.

Part of the Art Motive Series: "The Story of Daedalus and Icarus"