Myths provide models of behavior by which people can master and enjoy, rather than fear and hate, existence. They teach moral virtues which, if followed, guarantee a social as well as natural order. In the Nigerian myth, the Sun and Moon found that the laws of gravity - a place for everything and everything in its place - allowed accommodation and respect for all. A legend from Greece cautions that we must recognize the difference between harnessing the forces of nature and presuming to be that force.

The palace of the Sun was always bright and radiant, sparkling with jewels. One day a young man named Phaeton set out to reach the palace, and after a long hot journey he found himself before Apollo, the Sun god. Shielding his eyes from Apollo's brilliant rays, the youth asked, "Is it true that, although my mother is a mortal, you are indeed my father? She said this is so, but when I tell my friends that you are my father, they laugh and make fun of me." The Sun god smiled brightly and nodded. "Yes, Phaeton, you are my son, and I am pleased that you have come to visit. Ask me anything, and I promise it shall be yours."

Phaeton was very proud to learn he was truly the son of a god, and he knew right away what he wanted. "Father, let me take your place for one day. I want to command your chariot and pull the sun across the sky, as you do each day. When my friends see me high above them, they will know what I told them is true."

Apollo realized that he had made a terrible error and tried to change the boy's mind." No mortal can drive my chariot, son. In fact, no other god can manage it, for it is not pleasure but hard work. The road from the sea each morning is very steep and difficult for the horses, and when I race down in the afternoon I can barely control them. At midday I am so high that I fear to look down. And all along the way are fierce beasts. The Bull, the Lion, the Scorpion, the Crab - all will seek to harm you. Please, my son, although I made a promise, choose anything but this."

Of course, Phaeton now wanted to drive the chariot more than ever. Ignoring his father's words, he stubbornly insisted. And as it was time to start the daily journey, Apollo reluctantly agreed. The chariot was readied and the great horses stamped and blew the morning air from their nostrils. With great pride Phaeton climbed into the chariot and immediately rushed up into the sky, pulling the sun behind him.

The first few moments were great fun for the boy, and he shouted out, "Look, I am Lord of the Sky!" But suddenly he realized that he was out of control. The chariot was swinging wildly from side to side and rushing much too fast. The horses quickly realized that their driver had not the strength, confidence or experience for the task. They raced off the road and galloped madly this way and that, crashing into the Scorpion and butting into the Bull. Phaeton dropped the reins and fell onto the floor of the chariot. Now matters were veering towards chaos. The horses stampeded to the very top of the sky and then plunged straight down towards earth, and the sun set the earth on fire. Phaeton, weeping with terror, screamed for help.

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