Prometheus
Prometheus is a titan of Greek mythology who has become an iconic figure in literature. He was the son of Iapetus and Clymene, and he was known for his intelligence and foresight. He gave fire to mankind, which earned him the ire of Zeus. As punishment, Zeus chained him to a rock where an eagle would eat his liver every day, only for it to grow back each night.
In literature, Prometheus has been used as both a cautionary tale about hubris and ambition gone awry as well as an inspirational story about standing up against oppressive forces even when there is no hope of success or reward. For example, Percy Bysshe Shelley's poem "Prometheus Unbound" focuses on the theme of rebellion against authority figures such as gods or kings, while Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein draws upon the idea that knowledge can be dangerous if wielded without restraint, like fire given by Prometheus but abused by man. The character Victor Frankenstein parallels Prometheus' fate due to his creation turning out far differently than he had intended, leading to tragic consequences for himself and those around him, yet still showing courage in attempting something revolutionary with science despite its risks.
More recently, authors have also drawn upon themes from the Promethean mythos in works such as Alan Moore's comic book series Watchmen," where Doctor Manhattan takes on many aspects traditionally attributed to Prometheus, including being punished unjustly by powerful authorities (in this case the government) after helping humanity progress through scientific advancement with potentially disastrous results. Similarly, popular films such as Ridley Scott's 2012 movie "Prometheus" are inspired by these ancient tales, exploring similar topics regarding technology run amok thanks to unchecked ambition while asking questions related to morality, at times overreaching our current understanding.
Overall, stories based on Promethean myths have proven enduringly relevant throughout history, providing timeless lessons about human nature and offering us valuable insights into ourselves regardless of the form they take, whether it be written text, filmic imagery, or other forms of art.