Which figure ridiculed Phaethon about his parentage?

The figure who ridiculed Phaethon about his parentage was Epaphus. In the myth, Epaphus is often portrayed as a friend of Phaethon who doubts Phaethon’s claim that Helios, the sun god, is his father. This moment of ridicule stems from Epaphus's disbelief, leading to Phaethon’s desire to prove himself and seek confirmation of his lineage by asking to drive Helios's chariot across the sky.

This interaction highlights themes of identity and validation, as Phaethon feels the need to prove his divine heritage in the face of skepticism from Epaphus. Phaethon's journey toward self-discovery and acceptance of his identity forms a critical part of the narrative, and it is this ridicule that ultimately sets the tragic events of his story in motion.