The myth of Icarus and Daedalus - Amy Adkins

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In mythological ancient Greece, Icarus flew above Crete on wings made from wax and feathers, defying the laws of man and nature. To witnesses on the ground, he looked like a god, and he felt like one too. But, in his society, the line that separated god from man was absolute, and the punishment for mortals who attempted to cross it was severe. Amy Adkins explains the myth of Icarus and Daedalus.


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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Amy Adkins
  • Director Jeremiah Dickey
  • Compositor Kaitlyn Carroll
  • Associate Producer Jessica Ruby
  • Content Producer Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Narrator Addison Anderson
Additional Resources for you to Explore
For an overview of Greek myths, click here. The American Museum of Natural History also has a great site that discusses Greek myths and their origins. What inspired these myths? The Strange Inspirations Behind the Greek Myths from the BBC might just provide an answer.

Learn more about Icarus and his wings by watching: Daedalus and Icarus - Storyteller: Greek Myths. Love Greek myths and the characters found in them? Start here by reading more about Daedalus, Icarus, and the Minotaur.

What is the story behind the Minotaur? Watch this video to find out! This TED Ed lesson also addresses the story of the Minotaur from another angle: The scientific origins of the Minotaur - Matt Kaplan.

What is the role of Icarus in Greek mythology? Visit this site and find out a bit more.


Customize this lesson

Create and share a new lesson based on this one.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Amy Adkins
  • Director Jeremiah Dickey
  • Compositor Kaitlyn Carroll
  • Associate Producer Jessica Ruby
  • Content Producer Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

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