Greek Mythology Community

How old was Icarus when he died?

1 - 2 of 2 Posts
F

franciu

New member
Hi everyone! I'm new here :). I'm trying to write a story about Daedalus and Icarus, but consulting several sources, I figured out none of them mentioned Icarus' age. In latin he is referred as "puer", which means a boy between 7-17 years old, so he surely is on the young side. I was just wondering if he was a pre-adolescent (12,13) or a bit older such as 15 or 16. It's a little difference, but it really influences the maturity of the kid. If anybody knows, any help would be very appreciated :))
ps: sorry if my english isn't perfect, I'm actually italian lol
 
I think the common thinking is that he was around 12 or 13, but you're right, I have seen different ages. He is referred to as a "boy" in the stories, so that rules some things out. I think that the common, most accepted way of thinking about his age is that he was old enough to know better, but not so old that he was an adult - and still a boy. My guess is, around 11-13.
 
1 - 2 of 2 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

Which Olympian god would you most want to meet?

If you could meet one of the Olympian gods from Greek mythology, which one would you choose? I think this is a difficult question because so many of them would be fascinating to talk to, although some would definitely be safer choices than others!

Athena would probably be near the top of my list. I’d love to hear her thoughts on wisdom, strategy, warfare, and the way humans make decisions. Hermes would also be interesting because of his connection with travel, communication, cleverness, and his role as a messenger between different worlds.

Apollo might be another good choice because of his associations with music, prophecy, healing, and the arts. On the other hand, meeting Zeus or Poseidon could be a little intimidating.

Which Olympian god or goddess would you most want to meet, and why? What would you want to ask them if you had the chance?

Unsung Heroes of Greek Mythology?

Greek mythology is full of larger-than-life figures like Heracles, Odysseus, and Achilles, but I’ve always been fascinated by the lesser-known heroes who don’t get as much attention. There are so many incredible stories that fly under the radar: Meleager and the Calydonian Boar, Bellerophon taming Pegasus, or even Diomedes, who faced the gods themselves in battle.

I recently came across the story of Atalanta again, the only woman among the Argonauts, raised by a bear, unbeatable in a footrace, and I can’t believe she isn’t talked about more! These “side characters” often feel more human and relatable than the famous ones.

Which lesser-known hero (or heroine) stands out to you? Do you have a favorite overlooked myth or backstory that deserves more love? I’d love to hear which of these hidden legends captured your imagination and why.

Was Corfu Really Homer's Scheria?

I'm hoping to visit Corfu in late summer or early fall, so I've been reading more about the island's mythology before I go. One thing that keeps coming up is the idea that Corfu was Homer's Scheria, home of the Phaeacians in the Odyssey. The more I read, the more fascinated I become.

I know there are different theories, and not everyone agrees that Scheria was actually Corfu. Still, it's fun to imagine Odysseus washing ashore there and meeting Nausicaa before finally returning to Ithaca. It certainly adds another layer to visiting the island.

What do you all think? Do you believe Corfu really inspired Homer's Scheria, or do you think Scheria was meant to be an entirely mythical place? I'd also love recommendations for any sites on Corfu with strong connections to these myths that are worth visiting.

Exploring the Story of Persephone and Spring

I’ve recently started learning more about Greek mythology, and I keep coming across the story of Persephone and how it’s connected to the arrival of spring. The idea that her return from the underworld brings life back to the earth is really fascinating to me, especially how it ties into the seasons in such a symbolic way.

I’m curious how others interpret this myth beyond the basic explanation. Do you see it more as a story about nature and seasonal change, or is there a deeper emotional or psychological meaning behind it? I’ve also read a bit about Demeter’s role and how her grief affects the earth, which adds another layer to it.

Would love to hear how others understand or connect with this story!

Apollo and Artemis Personality Contrasts

I’ve always been fascinated by Apollo and Artemis, especially the contrast between them as twins. On the surface they share so much, archery, associations with youth, strong connections to nature, but symbolically they seem almost like opposites in some ways. Apollo often represents order, reason, light, music, and prophecy, while Artemis feels more wild, instinctive, independent, and tied to the untamed natural world.

I’m curious how others interpret their relationship and balance. Do you see them as complementary forces, like civilization and wilderness, or more as two expressions of similar divine energy? And are there specific myths that you think best highlight their differences or similarities?

I’d love to hear perspectives, especially from people who study mythology more deeply or look at the symbolic meanings behind the gods.
Share and discuss Greek mythology!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top