You are here:About>Education>Ancient / Classical History> Myth / Beliefs> Greek Mythology & Heroes> Greek Gods> Prometheus> Prometheus - About the Greek Titan Prometheus
About.comAncient / Classical History
click for more images
Prometheus Statue at Rockefeller Center
Prometheus Statue at Rockefeller Center
Robert Alan Espino
Newsletters & RSSEmail to a friendSubmit to Digg
More Resources

Greek Mythology

Elsewhere on the Web

Carlos Parada Prometheus

Prometheus - The Greek Titan Prometheus

From N.S. Gill,
Your Guide to Ancient / Classical History.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!
Who Is Prometheus?:

Prometheus is one of the Titans from Greek mythology. He helped create (and then befriend) mankind. He gave humans the gift of fire even though he knew Zeus would not approve. As a result of this gift, Prometheus was punished as only an immortal could be.

Family of Origin:

Iapetus the Titan was the father of Prometheus and Clymene the Oceanid was his mother.

Roman Equivalent:

Prometheus was also called Prometheus by the Romans.

Attributes:

Prometheus is often shown chained, with an eagle plucking out his liver or his heart. This was the punishment he suffered as a result of defying Zeus. Since Prometheus was immortal, his liver grew back every day, so the eagle could have feasted on it daily for eternity.

Powers:

Prometheus had the power of forethought. His brother, Epimetheus, had the gift of afterthought. Prometheus created man from water and earth. He stole skills and fire from the gods to give to man.

Sources:

Ancient sources for Prometheus include: Aeschylus, Apollodorus, Dionysius of Halicarnassus, Hesiod, Hyginus, Nonnius, Plato, and Strabo.

More Resources

Greek Mythology

Elsewhere on the Web

Carlos Parada Prometheus

 All Topics | Email Article | | |
Advertising Info | News & Events | Work at About | SiteMap | Reprints | HelpOur Story | Be a Guide
User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy©2008 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.