The mythical tales are one kind of stories that feature gods, goddesses, heroes, and supernatural events. While reading these stories, you may have an impression that these imaginative stories served as not more than a form of entertainment for ancient people, and there is no significant importance in them, you are wrong. These captivating stories charm people on the one hand and profoundly influence human civilization, particularly Greek civilization, culture, philosophical thinking, and religious practices on the other hand.
The main features of the Greek mythology are the Olympian gods and goddesses and their lasting impacts on human civilization. While there are several leading Greek mythology characters, Prometheus is perhaps the most significant one since he irreversibly altered human civilization. This article will cover the myth of Prometheus, how he stole fire, and what is the inherent meaning of his action.
The Myth of Prometheus
In the tapestry of Greek mythology, the name Prometheus, a Titan, has been inscribed forever. And, why not? By stealing fire from the Olympian mount, and smuggling it to mankind, Prometheus enlightened human civilization.
Why did Prometheus decide to steal fire from Mount Olympus, and give it to mankind? Certainly, it was an act of disobedience to God, and to run the risk of receiving his wrath. After men were created from clay, they lived a barbaric life, and their life was no different from four-footed animals. With no skills, knowledge, or culture, their existence on earth depended on nature’s mercy. Seeing humans in an abhorrent life condition, Prometheus, the true benefactor of mankind, decided to help them with knowledge, which will aid them in coming out of their inhuman life.
Prometheus’s fire stealing mission was full of adventure and excitement. In the dark night, Prometheus made his way to Mount Olympus, which is a divine abode, only reserved for the gods. From there he stole a piece of glowing amber, concealed it in the stalks of hollow fennel, and then transferred it to Earth.
When humans got fire as a gift from Prometheus, it dramatically transformed human civilization. People get warmth from fire, cook food, and apply it in different metal work. In fact, the arrival of fire from Mount Olympus with the hand of Prometheus ushered in all technological advancements on earth, and made mankind the most advanced and prosperous species in the universe.
While Prometheus made mankind great, he paid the ultimate price by receiving eternal agony. Zius, the king of gods, considered the stealing of fire by Prometheus, an act of audacity and defiance. To punish Prometheus, Zeus chained him to a rock in the Caucasus mountains, and placed an Eagle, an emblem of Zeus, to eat his liver each day. His liver was immortal, which means the Eagle completely ate it each day but regrew it at night and thus endured eternal torment.
After several centuries of excruciating punishment, Prometheus was exonerated by Zeus who permitted Heracles to release him. Heracle shot to kill the Eagle, unchained Prometheus, and set him free.
The Symbolism of Fire
Prometheus’s stealing of fire from Mount Olympus is highly symbolic. Here fire refers to the gods’ knowledge and wisdom. Prometheus not merely stole a glowing amber. He stole God’s wisdom and knowledge with it. When mankind received fire as a gift from Prometheus, it was enriched with knowledge, and technological advancement. In other words, had Prometheus not stolen the fire and not transferred it to mankind, human civilization would not have advanced this far.
Prometheus in Literature, Philosophy, and Modern Culture
In the tapestry of Greek mythology, Prometheus is the most prominent character, having profound impacts on literature, Philosophy, and modern culture.
The literary world would be incomplete without a discussion on Prometheus. Consequently, he is present in both classic and modern literature.
Prometheus in Classical Literature
Aeschylus’s play ” Prometheus Bound” is the earliest and most significant literary work. It depicted Prometheus’s agony because of his benevolent gift to humanity.
Prometheus in the Romantic Era
During the Romantic era, Prometheus was interpreted as a symbol of defiance against tyranny and oppression. Romantic poets like Lord Byron, and Percy Bysshe Shelley found similarities between Prometheus’s rebellion against gods and their struggles against societal constraints.
Prometheus in Philosophy
From a philosophical perspective, Prometheus’s act carries several important meanings. These are
Price of Rebellion
Prometheus’s action of audacity showed humanity’s condition would not improved without rebellion. Prometheus revolted against the gods’, stole fire, presented it to humanity, and helped to make unprecedented progress.
Consequences of the Rebellion
The Romantic Hero
The modern Prometheuss
Prometheus successfully maintains his presence even in modern-day Literature, proving that it will stay with humanity as long as it remains. Mary Shelley’s novel ” Frankenstein” is written explicitly referencing Prometheus. Here modern-day Prometheus is Frankenstein who attempted to create life and ultimately faces consequences due to his action.
The only reason why humanity gets so much advancement is due to its insatiable desire for progress. And, thanks to Prometheus who infused this relentless aspiration to make further progress. He will drive humanity forever to continue its quest to reach the pinnacle of progress.
