Prometheus, Part 2: Bringing the Limited Gift of Reason to Humankind

When Prometheus tricked Zeus, the god wrought punishment on the very people Prometheus hoped to help.

Creation of humanity by Prometheus as Athena looks on (Roman-era relief, 3rd century). Public Domain

In Part 1 of this series, we discussed Prometheus, who created and loved humankind, as a liminal being. He was the son of a Titan, neither a god nor a human being. He tried to do the best for his creation by cheating Zeus through deception. The reaction of Zeus, king of the gods, was swift and furious: He forbade man to have access to fire. Following this prohibition, Prometheus stole fire from the forge of Hephaistos, the god of technology, and, from the goddess Athena, he took the wisdom necessary to use it.

Prometheus watches Athena endow his creation with reason. Painting by Christian Griepenkerl, 1877. Public Domain