DAEDALUS (the great craftsman of Crete)
Hero and companion · son of Metion in Greek mythology
- Parents
- Eupalamus, Metion, Merope, Iphinoe
- Siblings
- Metiadusa, Perdix
- Consorts
- Naucrate
- Children
- Icarus
- Haunts and cult places
- Sicily, Crete
- In the sources
- 43 ancient passages
Powers
He was renowned for his exceptional artistic skills, considered an excellent architect, and highly admired for his craft. Apollodorus 3.15.8 +2
In the myths
Daedalus constructed the Labyrinth in Crete to contain the Minotaur for the Athenian tribute. Apollodorus 3.1.4 +3 Daedalus fled from Crete to Sicily to escape the authority of King Minos, using small vessels he had constructed for himself and Icarus. Diodorus 4.77 +2 He built a hollow wooden cow covered in a skinned cow hide and placed it in the meadow to trick the bull into mating with Pasiphae, who was hidden inside. Apollodorus 3.1.4 +2 Daedalus made a statue of Trophonius found at Lebadeia. Pausanias 9.39.8 +1 Daedalus escaped to Sicily, with one account saying he flew close to the sea. Diodorus 4.77 +1 Thebans believe Daedalus created the ancient wooden image of Heracles in Thebes, which he dedicated as a thank-offering for a benefit received. Pausanias 9.11.4 +1 Minos traveled to Sicania to find Daedalus and waged a campaign against Cocalus in Sicily because of him. Diodorus 5.78 +1
