Definition - 1. Any of various
light, four-wheeled carriages, with or without a top, having one or two seats
facing forward, used in the 19th century.
2. A vintage automobile of the touring-car type
Synonyms- touring car, tourer, car, auto, automobile,
machine, motorcar
Etymology- Greek - Phaethon- Name of the son of Helios and Clymene who tried to drive
his father's sun-chariot but crashed after almost setting fire to the whole
earth.
The story of Phaethon, in Greek Mythology, is a tale of a
young man who seeks to prove himself after many bad judgments and
consequences. Phaethon realized
his father was the Sun-god and wanted to meet him. He went on a journey and found his father and his palace
where he lived. Although his
father was powerful and important, Phaethon was overcome with awe by his
father’s power. Phaethon asked him
father for some favors and his father’s attempt at affection was to show his
son unfortunate consequences.
Phaethon wanted to drive his father’s chariot across the sky. As he jumped into the chariot he lost
control and realized the immortal power of the chariot and horses were much too
strong, dragging him across the sky.
As the chariot got closer to the earth, it caused the ground to
burn. Zeus realized this was a bad
situation and directed a thunderbolt to hit Phaethon. He was killed on contact and his body landed in the Eridanus
River. The legend is that
Phaeton’s sad sisters were transformed into trees, their tears turning into
amber. (Submitted by Katie Grant)