According to Greek Mythology, who stole the fire from gods and restored it to humanity?

In Greek mythology, Prometheus, meaning "forethought" is a Titan, culture hero, and trickster figure who is credited with the creation of man from clay, and who defies the gods by stealing fire and giving it to humanity, an act that enabled progress and civilization. Prometheus is known for his intelligence and as a champion of mankind.

As described in Hesiod's Theogony, Prometheus stole the fire inside a fennel stalk, and gave it to humanity. Zeus, king of the Olympian gods, then ordered the creation of the first woman Pandora as a new punishment for mankind. And Prometheus was chained to a cliff, where an eagle fed on his ever-regenerating liver every day, until eventually Zeus' son Heracles came to free him.

In "Prometheus Bound", a tragedy written by Aeschylus, in addition to giving humankind fire, Prometheus claims to have taught them the arts of civilization, such as writing, mathematics, agriculture, medicine, and science. The Titan's greatest benefaction for humankind seems to have been saving them from complete destruction.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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27 Comments

Carol Mac

Could do with him now

Sherry Revill

I didn't know Prometheus was so multifaceted.

George Oliver Prince

The last paragraph gave us new insights into Prometheus

Mark Ann Dubaz

We could use Prometheus in today’s world to keep us from destroying the world of mankind.

Kenney Devey

Zeus' Father Cronus formed the Giants (Titans) on Crete. Cronus killed his father to take over the crown of the gods, he was afraid some of his children would try the same on him and he swallowed all his children except for Zeus, his mother wrapped a stone in cloth and Cronus swallowed it thinking it was Zeus. Zeus, when he reached adult made his father throw up and bring his brothers and sisters back. Zeus became the God of Gods on Mt Olimpus and sort vengeance on his father, Cronus who escaped to Crete and formed the Giants, Titans. Zeus and his brother eventually destroyed their power and banished the in a deep fire pit. think this also referes them to the fallen high angels and Cronus being Lucifer the Devil. Angels were refered to as messengers, It is very interesting reading Greek Mythology

Shirley Haughton

I was right even though it was a guess

rudykyf

I love Greek mythology and Zeus creating Pandora as a punishment for mankind. As in real life!

Rob Farr

A good mythology trivia question and explanation …

ninakamwene

Got this educational trivia. Thank you.

Denise Currie

Stephen Fry's book on Greek Mythology which I read last month has proved valuable a few times since I read it regarding questions on here

konrad

Not RESTORED it to humanity, just GAVE it to them. You can't restore something to those who never had it.

Conrado De Leon

Not "restored" boys. Humans did not have fire before Prometeus gave it to them. Restore means to give back . Learn English.

illonabird

It would be impressive if we were still using the gifts he bestowed on us.

Patty K

I know the answer is Prometheus, but if you're asking about Greek mythology, use the Greek name for an option. Hercules is the Roman mythology name, Heracles is the Greek mythology.

Annie

The hero of mankind.

Char

Love my mythology

Humberto Carrasco

GOT IT RIGHT

docluci

Glad I know a little about myths. Wish my son was here to verify because he is the expert in all mythology, Greek, Roman and a lot of Viking myths as well.