FREE ESSAY ON PROMETHEUS

PROMETHEUS

Though long engraved into history, the ancient world of Greece still remains present
throughout the cradle of humanity in several ways. It's rich contributions in literature,
drama and art have shaped even modern civilizations. Through the characters in the Greek
myths, morals and standards that remain to dominate society are presented to us. These
figures in mythology appeared as gods, goddesses, heroes, and even mortals, who teach not
just through their triumphs but also through their less honorable moments. One of the
most noble of these characters, was Prometheus. Prometheus was a Titan (or elder god) who
could often see into the future. He first enters mythological tales when he aided Zeus in
the struggle to claim the throne of King of the Gods. Several later stories portray
Prometheus' character as intelligent, philanthropic, and non compliant when faced with
injustices.
The great hero Hercules was brave and strong, but there was something he lacked. It is
carefully noted along with his story that he was weak in the area of intelligence, his
major disadvantage. This is a quality Prometheus possessed. Prometheus is labeled
throughout mythology as being very wise. In some stories he is called the wisest in the
universe. This is a feature not many other figures in mythology possessed. It was due to
his wisdom that his family survived the great flood and humans received many of their
advantages.
Prometheus is depicted as helping humans throughout Greek mythology. In one story, he
consoles Io, a young girl punished due to Hera's jealousy, during her time of pain and
confusion. In this story he directs her to a more promising future. There is also strong
emphasis on his assisting the human race as a whole. It was Prometheus who made mankind
the superior race. He gave man both the superior protection, fire, and superior form,
upright like the gods.
Zeus was angered when Prometheus gave man so many advantages, and also because he would
not reveal whom the future told would dethrone him. Forgetting the debt he owed
Prometheus for all he had helped him with in the past, he decided to torture Prometheus
until he revealed the information he knew. Prometheus was bound to the rocky peak on
Caucasus, wrapped in unbreakable chains, unable to sleep or relax. Everyday an eagle came
down and tore at his flesh. Prometheus knew he had served Zeus well and was right in his
assistance to man. He refused to yield to Zeus, and endured the pain. "His body was bound
but his spirit was free." He now remains a symbol of rebellion against injustice to many.

In summary, along with it's culture and values, ancient Greece has left us more. It has
left us great figures to look up to and admire. It has left us characters such as
Prometheus to pave a road of morals and standards for the present as well as future. His
qualities of wisdom, altruism, and strong will have been revealed through both his
stories of triumphs and pain, stories that never die. These stories will be told for
generations to come.
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