Phaëthon is the son of the sun god, Phoebus. Doubtful that Phoebus is really his father, Phaëthon travels to the sun god’s palace for proof. After determining that Phoebus is his father, Phaëthon asks Phoebus if he can drive his chariot. Phoebus warns him that the chariot is too dangerous for a mortal to drive, but Phaëthon insists. Phaëthon quickly loses control of the fiery, spirited horses, and the chariot plummets to earth, setting fire to everything. Jupiter strikes Phaëthon dead with a lightning bolt to stop his dangerous path. Phaëthon is mourned by some, but also seen as an example of what happens to mortals who think they can do what the gods do.