Who attempted to drive the chariot of the Sun?

Phaethon is the character in Greek mythology known for his ambitious attempt to drive the chariot of the Sun, which belonged to his father, Helios. According to the myth, Phaethon, eager to prove his divine parentage and to gain respect among mortals, asked Helios to grant him a wish. His father reluctantly allowed him to drive the chariot for a day. However, Phaethon was unable to control the powerful horses, leading to chaos as the chariot veered dangerously close to the Earth and then far away into the sky. This reckless journey caused significant destruction and ultimately resulted in Phaethon's death when Zeus intervened, striking him down with a lightning bolt to prevent further catastrophe.

The other figures mentioned do not have stories involving the Sun's chariot. Hercules, while a renowned hero with numerous myths, did not attempt to drive the Sun's chariot. Daedalus was a legendary craftsman and inventor, best known for creating the Labyrinth and flying with wings made of feathers and wax, but he did not involve himself with the chariot of the Sun. Theseus is celebrated for his heroic deeds in Athens and his adventures, but he too is not connected to the myth