Greek Myths: Daedalus and Icarus (King Midas) (Younger Fiction)
Orchard Myths. Series
What’s inside...
McCaughrean has retold many classic stories, including The Canterbury Tales and The Arabian Nights. In this volume, she retells the story of how Icarus flies too close to the sun, and how Midas's greed gives him an embarrassing problem. This book brings together two classic myths that deal with excessive ambition.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-11
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Daedalus
King Midas
Icarus
Midas'S Daughter
King Minos
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Icarus to fly too close to the sun, despite his father's warning?
How would you feel if you were King Midas and everything you touched turned to gold?
What are some lessons that Daedalus and Icarus learned from their adventure?
How would you use a gift like King Midas' touch in your daily life?
Can you think of a time when you didn’t listen to advice and had an unexpected outcome? What did you learn from it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the characters’ shoes to deepen their connection to the story. Ask them to express how they would feel and react in similar situations. Highlight the moral lessons from the myths, such as the consequences of pride or greed, to teach valuable life lessons. Discuss the concept of wisdom versus knowledge using Daedalus as an example. Use the book’s illustrations to spark discussions about ancient Greek culture and how mythology reflects human nature and societal values.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences of actions
Explanation: In the story of Daedalus and Icarus, Icarus fails to heed his father's warnings and flies too close to the sun, leading to his downfall. This segment teaches children about the importance of listening to guidance and understanding the potential consequences of not following advice.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by listening to their parents or guardians and understanding that their instructions are often for safety and well-being.
Example Lesson: The value of moderation
Explanation: King Midas' wish that everything he touches turns to gold initially seems wonderful but turns to despair as he can't touch his loved ones or eat food. The story conveys the message that too much of a good thing can be harmful.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of balance in life, such as balancing time between play and studies, or understanding why too many sweets are harmful.
Example Lesson: The power of resilience and problem-solving
Explanation: Daedalus uses his intellect to devise wings for himself and Icarus, demonstrating ingenuity in overcoming difficult situations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to use their creativity and critical thinking skills to solve problems they encounter in school or in their social interactions.
Example Lesson: Recognizing and learning from mistakes
Explanation: After experiencing the negative outcomes of his greed, King Midas regrets his wish and learns to appreciate the non-material aspects of life.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that it's okay to make mistakes as long as they learn from them and make better choices in the future.