The purpose of building the wings was for Icarus and Daedalus to escape from the labyrinth of King Minos. They had been trapped there in order for the secret of the labyrinth to remain a secret. However, as they escaped, Icarus flew too close to the sun and fell to his death. Daedalus was able to fly to Sicily, and he left his wings on the altar of Apollo. He had no more use for them, and they were meant to be an offering to the god.