Prometheus is an image of ancient Greek mythology. He personifies stamina, endurance and dedication. Also, Prometheus is a symbol of enlightenment, since it was he who, according to legend, gave people the ability to handle fire, for which he was severely punished by the omnipotent Zeus.
Myth
Prometheus is an image that has become part of the work of many authors. The legend about him served as a source of inspiration for playwrights, poets and writers. What is interesting about this mythological character? First of all, the legend of Prometheus should be briefly described.
This fairy-tale hero is one of the titans, the gods of the second generation. Once, Prometheus disobeyed Zeus, giving people fire. But before he had to steal the flame from the sacred Olympus. People lived in ignorance, their life was not easy. Thus, Prometheus not only improved a person’s life, but also opened the way for him to enlightenment. For this noble deed, he was severely punished.
Prometheus is an image in mythology that symbolizes foresight. His very name in translation means "thinking." And the chief god of Olympus came up with a punishment that was truly painful for him: he ordered the rebellious titan to be chained in the rock, and the bloodthirsty raven, flying every day to the martyr, pecked his liver. Prometheus could save only one thing: Zeus demanded that he give the name of the one who will give birth to his son, capable of overthrowing his father in the future. But chained to the rock, he preferred silence and incredible torment.
The image of Prometheus in literature and art occupies a special place. After all, it does not lose relevance. The symbol of martyrdom in the name of the salvation of mankind is also used by modern authors.
The tragedy of Aeschylus
Prometheus is an image that primarily inspired ancient authors. The basis of the tragedy of Aeschylus “Chained Prometheus” is a mythological plot. The main character is a titan who was able to teach people how to use fire. Also, thanks to Prometheus, people taught animals, learned the basics of shipbuilding. Zeus did not like these actions of the titan: he foresaw that the independence of man could lead to a weakening of his power. But Prometheus goes against the main god of Olympus, realizing that he will be severely punished, he is unlikely to deserve thanks. Despite this, he does what he considers his duty.
“Chained Prometheus” is a tragedy that entered the trilogy. However, the rest of its parts, unfortunately, have not been preserved. For the first time, the work of an ancient playwright was staged on the stage in approximately 444-443 BC. e.
Goethe
One of the great thinkers of the 18th century dedicated his famous poem to the mythological character . Johann Wolfgang von Goethe based on the legend of Prometheus created a poem in which the titan protagonist addresses Zeus himself, calling the gods void and their greatness miserable. In his work, the German poet was able to convey the rebellion of the legendary prisoner, perseverance, fearlessness and the desire to go towards his goal in spite of everything.
The image of Prometheus in world literature has been used many times. Below we list the most famous works based on an eternal story about the most persistent and sacrificial character of ancient Greek legends.
Byron
The English romantic poet in his work also turned to the legendary image. In the poem Prometheus, the author praises the selfless act of the martyr. Byron emphasizes that the hero did not receive rewards for his brave actions, but his act became a role model for the entire human race.
Shelley
Borrowing the famous mythological plot, an English poet of the 19th century created a tragedy called "Liberated Prometheus". The action begins in the mountains, where a chained titan spews terrible rebukes against the supreme god. With the sympathy of the hero, they listen to the oceanids, who are here, at the feet of the butcher. Zeus not only punished the one who dared to disobey him, but also cast down all sorts of troubles on the entire human race. But the hero does not give up and believes in his high mission. Shelley's work ends with the overthrow of the tormentor. Prometheus is liberated: Wisdom, Compassion and Forbearance reign supreme on Earth.
In music
The image of Prometheus in literature, in music, in painting has been revised more than once. Each of the authors saw him in his own way. But always this character personified stamina and extraordinary courage. A musical poem in honor of him was created by Alexander Scriabin. At the same time, Ferenc Liszt dedicated a symphony to the mythological hero.
Prometheus has become one of the eternal literary images, because he is able to inspire courageous acts. There are many cases in history when people committed treason only in order to gain material wealth. But there were those who went to certain death, did not recede from the intended path. Writers and poets who describe such situations in their work often resorted to an allusion to the mythological story of selfless titan.