Why does Phaethon lie about his relashionship with his father?

Phaethon lies about his relationship with his father, HeliOS, to gain the respect and validation of his peers. As a mortal, he feels insecure about his identity and seeks to prove his worth by claiming a divine lineage. This deception ultimately leads him to seek a dangerous challenge, driving the narrative of his tragic fate. His desire for recognition and acceptance highlights the theme of hubris and the consequences of overreaching one's limits.