Prometheus Research Paper

608 Words3 Pages

Myths come from cultures all around the world that are unique to their geographical region and people. However, many of these unique myths, from thousands of miles apart and from different times, have striking similarities. One such case that is interesting to look at are specific deities from Greek and Norse mythology. While Prometheus from Greek mythology gifted fire to mankind, Loki from Norse mythology stole fire, yet they still conduct themselves in similar manners. Their actions pertaining fire had an effect on their people and mankind. Looking first at Prometheus, he is a cunning and intelligent Titan. He is the son of Iapetus and Clymene, who were also Titans. Prometheus used his wit to antagonize the immortals, mainly Zeus. Although he was seen as devious, his actions were not self serving. His intentions were to help the plight of man, though in the end his actions caused him to suffer greatly. Turning our attention to a trickster in Norse mythology, we find Loki. Although he is the son of giants, he lives in Asgard amongst the gods. Throughout his time in Asgard, Loki provides many troubles and puts the …show more content…

“Fire was the most useful gift that he could possibly have given to man. This first man had begun to dig caves and make leafy covers in the woods and huts woven of twigs to be his shelters. Now that fire had come to the earth, he was able to light a forge and shape metals into weapons and tools.” Zeus was angered that fire had reached mankind and decided that everyone needed to be punished. He shortened the spring, dividing the year into seasons, and destroyed all crops making mankind’s labor pointless. He then ordered Hephaestus, the god of blacksmithery, to forge some great links for a heavy chain and chained Prometheus to a rock. Prometheus suffered through the torture of an eagle eating his flesh daily. Though he was punished daily, he gifted the most convenient resource to