Because King Minos controlled the land and the sea routes around Crete, there was no route to escape there. However, Daedalus realized that the only way to escape in the Crete was by air, but, only the gods could fly. So, he made/built wings for himself and for his son, Icarus that is made out of feathers with wax. Before they go off, Daedalus warned Icarus to not go near the sun because it would melt his wings and to the sea because it would dampen them and make it hard to fly. They successfully flew from Crete, but, Icarus was too thrilled and forgot his father's advice. He goes near the sun. His wings softened and melted and he drowned at the sea, leading to his death.
--Mizu