In Greek mythology, Daedalus — a master craftsman imprisoned by King Minos of Crete — builds wings of feathers and wax so he can escape with his son, Icarus.Before the pair takes flight, Daedalus cautions his son not to fly too near the sun or too close to the sea.
But Icarus forgets his father's warning and — instead of staying in the safe range of flight — soars upward. The heat from the sun melts the wax on Icarus' wings and he falls into the sea, where he dies.