Epic Greek Tragedy (Icarus Flirting with Helios)
Taken by Anthony Ayiomamitis on March 15, 2025 @
Ayia Napa, Cyprus
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Camera Used: Canon Canon EOS 6D
Exposure Time: 1/320
Aperture: f/8.0
ISO: 200
Date Taken: 2022:04:09 20:49:16
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Details:
One of the most beloved myths from Ancient Greece involves the father-son duo of Daedalus and Icarus who were jailed by King Minos in Crete after the latter had asked for the construction of a complex labyrinth by the crafty Daedalus for the jailing of the Minotaur (illegitimate son of the King's wife).
The older Daedalus came up with the ingenious idea to construct wings made of wax and bird feathers so that he and his son could fly their way out of prison and away from Crete. Prior to their dramatic escape, Daedalus advised the younger Icarus not to fly too close to the Sun since the heat would melt the wax and lead them to their demise. Similarly, he advised Icarus not to fly too close to the sea since the moisture would dampen their wings, thus making them heavier and which would also lead to a destructive ending.
Although the escape went as planned, the younger Icarus was so excited by their ability to fly that he soon forgot his father's advice by flying higher and higher and which eventually led to the melting of the wax and his ultimate demise where he tragically fell into the Aegean Sea. Daedalus located his son's body and buried Icarus in the immediate vicinity of his tragic drowning and named the nearby island Icaria in honour of his cherished son.
Please find attached two results (2022 and 2025) involving a stunning stainless steel statue depicting Icarus with the spring equinox Sun setting in the immediate background. The effort from 2022 was nailed on the first attempt (?!) whereas the second attachment required seven trips to Cyprus to nail the alignment just perfect from much greater distance than the 2022 effort as well as various nuances due to the weather, a broken tripod connection on one other occasion etc.
Links to each of the two results with additional information on my website as usual at http://www.perseus.gr/Astro-Solar-Scenes-Cyprus-Ayia-Napa-Icarus-20220409.html and http://www.perseus.gr/Astro-Solar-Scenes-Cyprus-Ayia-Napa-Icarus-20250315.html .
Photographer's website:
https://www.perseus.gr
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