Prometheus the Greek Titan of Forethought who Gave Fire to Humanity

Video

Kelly Macquire
by
published on 16 January 2023

Prometheus is the titan god of forethought, is something of a trickster in Greek mythology, and is best known for his role in stealing fire and giving it to humanity, only to be punished severely by Zeus, the king of the gods. Despite being often called a titan, Prometheus is actually the son of two titans Iapetus and Clymene or Themis in some versions, and his brothers are Atlas the god of endurance, Menoetius the god of violent rage, and Epimetheus, the god of afterthought.

Prometheus stole fire from Olympus, hidden away in a hollow fennel stalk, and brought it down to earth, which allowed humanity to cook meat and keep warm as well as develop the crafts of metallurgy and ceramics, among others. In retaliation for giving humans fire, Zeus not only had the first woman, Pandora, crafted as something harmful to all of humanity, but he also punished Prometheus directly. Zeus bound the titan in chains to a cliff and set a long-winged eagle upon him to eat his liver every day. But, as Prometheus was immortal, his liver grew back each night for his torture to begin again the following day.

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— CHAPTERS —
0:00​ Introduction
1:02 Who is the Titan Prometheus?
2:30 Prometheus and the Theft of Fire
5:58 Outro

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You can find all attribution and credits for images, animations, graphics and music here - https://worldhistory.typehut.com/prometheus-the-greek-titan-of-forethought-who-gave-fire-to-humanity-images-and-attributions-12828

The music used in this recording is the intellectual copyright of Michael Levy, a prolific composer for the recreated lyres of antiquity, and used with the creator's permission. Michael Levy's music is available to stream at all the major digital music platforms. Find out more on:
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About the Author

Kelly Macquire
Kelly is a graduate from Monash University who has completed her BA (Honours) in Ancient History and Archaeology, focussing on iconography and status in Pylos burials. She has a passion for mythology and the Aegean Bronze Age.

Cite This Work

APA Style

Macquire, K. (2023, January 16). Prometheus the Greek Titan of Forethought who Gave Fire to Humanity. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/video/2890/prometheus-the-greek-titan-of-forethought-who-gave/

Chicago Style

Macquire, Kelly. "Prometheus the Greek Titan of Forethought who Gave Fire to Humanity." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified January 16, 2023. https://www.worldhistory.org/video/2890/prometheus-the-greek-titan-of-forethought-who-gave/.

MLA Style

Macquire, Kelly. "Prometheus the Greek Titan of Forethought who Gave Fire to Humanity." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 16 Jan 2023. Web. 05 Dec 2024.

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