Prometheus
Prometheus is a Titan in Greek myth who protects humans against Zeus and steals fire for them. In the most common version, Zeus punishes him with chains and an eagle that eats his liver. His story raises questions about power, knowledge, suffering, and resistance.
Key stories of Prometheus
The trick at the sacrifice
Prometheus divides an ox into two portions, hiding bones beneath tempting fat and meat beneath an unappealing covering. Zeus takes the bones, explaining why humans keep the meat at sacrifices.
In Hesiod’s Theogony, Zeus recognises the deception but takes the portion covered in fat. His anger leads him to withhold fire from humans.
In Theogony by Hesiod
The theft of fire
Prometheus steals fire and carries it to humans in a hollow fennel stalk. Fire gives them warmth and the means to practise useful crafts.
In Prometheus Bound, Prometheus explains that his gift of fire helped humans learn many crafts. He also describes teaching them skills such as counting, writing, and medicine.
In Prometheus Bound by Aeschylus
The eagle and the rescue
Zeus has Prometheus chained, and an eagle repeatedly eats his liver, which grows back. In the most common version, Heracles kills the eagle and releases him.
In Hesiod’s Theogony, Heracles shoots the eagle and frees Prometheus from his suffering. Zeus permits the rescue, allowing it to add to his son’s glory.
In Theogony by Hesiod
How to recognise Prometheus in stories
- Look for stolen fire offered as a gift to humans.
- Notice chains, a rocky height, and an eagle attacking a captive.
- Watch for a helper of humanity who defies a powerful ruler.
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Is Prometheus a god or a human?
Prometheus is a divine figure, usually called a Titan, not a human. He belongs to the older divine family associated with the world before Zeus’s rule. His unusual role is to side with vulnerable humans when their interests clash with those of Zeus.
How is Prometheus connected with Pandora?
Pandora is part of Zeus’s response to Prometheus’s theft of fire. In Hesiod’s Works and Days, Zeus sends her to Prometheus’s brother Epimetheus, who accepts her despite a warning. She opens a jar that releases hardships into human life.
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