The Story of Prometheus | Summary

The Story of Prometheus

Summary

The story of Prometheus highlights the great sacrifice he made for humans. He took the risk of stealing fire from heaven to give it to shivering human beings, even though he suffered for it.

Prometheus was a Titan, an ancient god. He and his brother Epimetheus helped Zeus win a great war against Zeus’s own father. As a reward, Zeus let them fill the earth with animals and humans.

Epimetheus, not very smart, gave all the best qualities to animals. Humans were left weak. So, Prometheus, who was clever, made humans from clay. With help from Athena, the goddess of wisdom, he taught them skills like math, medicine, and building. Athena even breathed life into them.

But there was a problem. Humans had to sacrifice animals to the gods. Prometheus tricked Zeus into choosing the worst parts—bones and fat—while humans kept the good meat. Zeus got angry and took away fire, leaving people cold and hungry.

Feeling sorry for them, Prometheus snuck into Olympus, stole fire, and gave it back to humans. Now they could cook, stay warm, and build civilizations. But Zeus was furious. He chained Prometheus to a mountain where an eagle ate his liver every day. Since he was immortal, the liver grew back each night, and the torture never ended.

Zeus offered to free him if he revealed a secret about the future, but Prometheus refused. He chose to suffer rather than betray his values. Finally, the wise centaur Chiron gave up his life for Prometheus, and the hero Hercules killed the eagle. Prometheus was freed.

In the end, Zeus forgave him and even honoured him with a ring made from the mountain rock he had been chained to. That’s why people wear rings today—as a reminder of Prometheus’s courage, sacrifice, and love for humanity.

Answer these questions.

1. Who was Prometheus?

Prometheus was a Titan who loved humans and gave them many skills. He stole fire from the gods to help people, but for this sacrifice, Zeus punished him with endless suffering.

2. Why were humans weak at first?

Humans were weak at first because Epimetheus gave all the best qualities to the animals. As a result, humans were left without strength, speed, or natural defenses.

3. How did Prometheus help humans?

Prometheus helped humans by making them from clay and giving them life with Athena’s help. He taught them important skills like math, medicine, and building. He also gave them fire, so they could cook food, stay warm, and develop civilizations.

4. Why did Zeus take fire away from humans?

Zeus took fire away from humans because Prometheus tricked him during the animal sacrifice. Prometheus made Zeus choose the worst parts—bones and fat—while humans kept the good meat. Angry at being deceived, Zeus punished humans by leaving them cold and hungry without fire.