Greek mythology · 3 chapters

Daedalus in Sicily: The End of the Labyrinth

The genius who built the Labyrinth cannot escape the maze of his own consequences

After his son Icarus fell into the sea, Daedalus flew on alone to Sicily, where he found refuge with King Cocalus. Minos of Crete pursued him across the Mediterranean, carrying a spiral shell and offering a reward to whoever could thread a string through it. He knew only Daedalus could solve such a puzzle. When Cocalus presented the threaded shell, Minos knew Daedalus was there. He demanded his extradition. But Cocalus's daughters had become fond of Daedalus and his clever inventions. When Minos arrived for his bath, the daughters poured boiling water through the pipes that Daedalus had designed, and Minos was scalded to death. Daedalus had built, in his last refuge, one more labyrinthine trap, this one for his pursuer. The craftsman's genius never stopped creating. Neither did its consequences.