The Promethean Myth

The Promethean Myth

Prometheus was the wisest Titan. His name meant "forethought" and he was able to foretell the future. He was the son of Iapetus. When Zeus revolted against Cronus, Prometheus deserted the other Titans and fought on Zeus' side.

By some accounts, he and his brother Epimetheus were delegated by Zeus to create man. In all accounts, Prometheus was known as the protector and benefactor of man. He gave mankind a number of gifts including fire. He also tricked Zeus into allowing man to keep the best part of the animals sacrificed to the gods and to give the gods the worst parts.

For this Zeus punished Prometheus by having him chained to a rock with an eagle tearing at his liver. He was to be left there for all eternity or until he agreed to disclose to Zeus which of Zeus' children would try to replace him. He was eventually rescued by Hercules without giving in to Zeus.

The Epimetheus Myth
Epimetheus was a stupid Titan, whose name meant "afterthought". He was the son of Iapetus. In some accounts, he was delegated, along with his brother Prometheus by Zeus to create mankind. He also accepted the gift of Pandora from Zeus, which lead to the introduction of evil into the world.