Prometheus
Prometheus steals fire from Olympus to give humans warmth and craft. For defying Zeus, he is chained to a Caucasus rock while an eagle eats his regenerating liver—until a future hero frees him.
Story beats
- 1) Prometheus shapes humanity from clay, caring for their survival.
- 2) He tricks Zeus with a sacrificial ruse, hiding meat in less appealing skin.
- 3) Zeus withholds fire; Prometheus steals it in a fennel stalk and brings it to mortals.
- 4) Chained as punishment, he endures endless torment until Heracles later breaks his bonds.
Context & symbolism
Prometheus represents foresight and rebellious innovation—progress gained at cost. His liver’s regeneration parallels eternal consequence, while fire marks technology and enlightenment.
His punishment accompanies Pandora’s release of woes, tying knowledge to suffering and responsible use of gifts.
Motifs
- Fennel stalk hiding stolen fire
- Eagle eating regenerating liver
- Clay-crafted humans
- Heracles as liberator
Use it in play
- Steal a guarded flame to empower a village; evade divine retribution.
- Free a bound rebel punished for gifting secrets; reckon with the fallout.
- Debate ethics: share dangerous knowledge or keep it from unready hands.
- Use a sliver of celestial fire as a key, risking the attention of storm gods.