Phaeton: The Chariot of Fire

Overview

Phaeton is the half-mortal son of the god, Helios, who rode his golden chariot through the heavens, pulling the sun across the sky in its daily orbit. Phaeton watches enviously as the other young boys ride their father's chariots in the local chariot race. He wishes he could win the heart of the lovely Delona, the girl who supposedly belongs to Lexicus, the champion of the chariot racers. After he is embarrassed by Lexicus in front of Delona for not having a chariot of his own, Phaeton asks his godly father if he can borrow the sun-chariot for a race. But Helios refuses, advising his son not to try to seek approval from others, and warning him of the dangers of riding the sun chariot before he is ready. Meanwhile, Dionysus, god of wine and revelry, having bet on the mortal's chariot race, loses his prized orchards to Zeus. Determined to get them back, Dionysus tries to convince Phaeton to "borrow" his father's sun-chariot so he can bet on him in a race. When Phaeton refuses, Dionysus u