Prometheus

Stole Fire Form the Gods

Prometheus was the son of the Titan Iapetus and the brother of Atlas, Epimetheus and Menoetius. His name is linked with ‘forethought’, or thinking ahead, which is perfect because Prometheus was famous for being clever. He became especially interested in humans and often tried to help them, even when that meant getting into trouble with Zeus. In one story, Prometheus tricked Zeus during a sacrifice by making a pile of bones look much more attractive than the useful meat. Zeus was not amused, and the disagreement eventually led to humans losing something incredibly important: fire.

Prometheus decided humans needed fire, so he stole it back from the gods. He hid the flame inside the hollow stalk of a fennel plant and secretly brought it to humanity. Fire allowed people to cook, stay warm and develop useful crafts, so this was an enormous gift. Zeus was absolutely furious. He had Prometheus chained to a rock, where an eagle arrived every day and ate his liver. Because Prometheus was immortal, his liver grew back overnight and the horrible punishment began again the next day. Eventually the hero Heracles shot the eagle and freed Prometheus.

Zeus also punished humans by sending Pandora into the world. Prometheus had warned his brother Epimetheus not to accept gifts from Zeus, but Epimetheus did not listen. Pandora later opened her famous jar and released troubles into the human world. People usually call it Pandora’s box today, although the oldest Greek story actually describes a large jar. Later myths also made Prometheus into a teacher of humans and even described him shaping people from clay. That is why he became such an interesting character. He is not the strongest Titan and he does not rule a kingdom, but he is brave enough to challenge Zeus because he wants humans to have a better life. He is basically the Titan who proves that a clever idea can cause just as much trouble as a thunderbolt.

⬅   Back