Monday, October 25, 2010

Chapter 17: Prometheus






Prometheus
Prometheus is a Titan, the son of Iapetus and Themis, and brother of Atlas, Epimetheus and Menoetius. He was willing to risk his own well-being in order to live the life he chose. He was a champion of mankind, known for his sharp intelligence, for tricking and stealing form Zeus, And helping the mortals. Zeus then punished him for his crimes in an unusual way.
Prometheus was the Titan god of forethought and crafty counsel. He was trusted with the task of molding mankind out of earth and water. He let his brother, Epimetheus, distibute the qualities to each creature that they needed in order to survive. Epimetheus failed at completing this task for man, because he ran out of qualities to give. Because of this, Prometheus kept trying to better the lives of mankind, which brought conflict between him and Zeus. First he tricked the gods out of the best portion of the sacrificial feast, so that man could get the best part and eat well. He was concerned that mortals would give all their best food to the gods and leave little for themselves. Prometheus was very proud of himself for completing the clever task of tricking the father of all gods and men. Then, when Zeus withheld fire, he stole it from heaven and gave it to mortals hidden inside a fennel-stalk. Zeus decided to punish both Prometheus and man. Prometheus was arrested and bound to a stake on Mount Kaukasos. Everyday an eagle ate his liver, which grew back each time only to be eaten again. As a punishment for man, Zeus ordered the creation of Pandora in order to deliver misfortune into for man, or as a way to cheat mankind of the company of the good spirits.

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