Many are familiar with the image of Prometheus thanks to ancient mythology. The hero of ancient Greek legends evokes positive associations, because he helped people at the cost of his own freedom. The image of Prometheus in literature and culture is immortalized in many different works. There are many written sources about Prometheus, and artists and sculptors from different eras often depicted it. The most common heroic image of Prometheus in European literature and culture.
Who is Prometheus
Prometheus is one of the ancient titans, the son of the goddess of justice Themis, the father of Deucalion. Also, Prometheus was a cousin of the great Zeus the Thunderer. His name translates as "foreseeing the future", "knowing ahead." Unlike his bloodthirsty relative, Prometheus was supportive of people, sincerely sympathized with them and always tried to help. It was he who taught people the construction craft, food production, taught literacy and even suggested how to behave with the gods. Once an enraged Zeus took away the fire from people. To prevent the unfortunate from perishing and not freezing, Prometheus stole burning coals for them from Hephaestus, for which he was severely punished by a thunderer. The titan was chained to a high mountain with heavy chains and every day suffered from the unbearable pain caused by the eagle pecking his liver. People praised the fearless Prometheus, his image was associated with a sacrifice made in the name of good.
Predictor
For a very long time Prometheus endured physical and mental torment. Despite the pleas and persuasions of his mother, Themis, Zeus did not want to stop the suffering of the titan. Curiosity ate him. After all, Prometheus knew the fate of the great thunderer. Zeus sent Hermes to Prometheus to find out the secret about his future. Hermes promised to free Prometheus from the shackles as soon as he tells his prediction. The titan agreed. But it was too late: the prediction had almost come true. He warned Zeus not to connect his fate with the sea goddess Thetis, because they will have a son who will be stronger and more merciless than his father. But Hercules was destined to be born and defeat his father. Being close to the place of imprisonment of Prometheus, the Greek hero, learning about the torment of the titan, climbed the mountain and freed the sufferer. After the liberation, the enmity of Zeus and Prometheus did not stop, but the lord of Olympus was punished by fate itself for his severe temper.
The image of Prometheus in literature
What can be said about this? The figure of the great titan Prometheus, whose image was loved by poets and writers of all time, was very significant in literature. In the myth written by Geosides, Prometheus appears as a sly man who stole fire in a very inventive way. The Titan built a staff, hollow inside, and went to Hephaestus. When he was distracted, Prometheus put a few coals inside the staff and left. Aeschylus's image of Prometheus is imbued with drama, he is full of love and compassion for people in need. At Apollodorus of Athens, Prometheus acts as the creator. Goethe gives the creative principle and spirit of the creator the image of Prometheus, the ancient hero who carries freedom and spiritual greatness.
Prometheus in musical works
Composers who composed their masterpieces often drew attention to the heroes of the ancient epic. The images of the titans conquered with their strength, grandeur and beauty. The Hungarian composer F. Liszt created a series of symphonic poems on an ancient theme, including Prometheus, written based on Herder's dramatic work Uninhibited Prometheus. A. Scriabin created his symphonic poem “Prometheus” under the impression of spiritual strength and freedom of the hero of ancient mythology. The image of Prometheus encouraged the dance master Vigano to create a ballet consisting of two acts and staged to the music of Beethoven.
Prometheus in painting
A striking master in the depiction of antique figures, and specifically, Prometheus himself, is the famous Flemish artist, founder of the Baroque style - Peter Paul Rubens. He wrote many amazing works, among them Prometheus Carrying Fire to the Earth and Prometheus Chained. Another talented Flemishman, Jacob Jordaens, has a painting called Prometheus Defeated . The artist is a follower of Rubens. This can be seen in his style of writing: bright, juicy, full-bodied and vibrant. Another artist with a similar writing style is Jan Kossiers. His work “Prometheus Carrying the Fire”, where the titanium is depicted in a scarlet antique robe, with a burning torch in his hand, looks very lively. Also, the image of Prometheus was immortalized by Titian. He created a painting called The Punishment of the Titan.
Prometheus in the sculpture
Among European sculptors, the figure of Prometheus aroused keen interest. Many masters devoted their work to the creation of sculptures based on mythological subjects. F. G. Gordeev created a sculpture called Prometheus, where the hero suffers from the attack of a huge eagle. The figure is in a horizontal position, which makes the plot lively and dynamic. The work is filled with expression, well conveys to the viewer the feelings of the hero. Noteworthy is the work of the French master N. S. Adam "Chained Prometheus." This work is done in the neoclassical style, the emphasis in it is the careful study of the details. The image of Prometheus inspired many sculptors to create their imperishable masterpieces. For the German master Arno Brecker, the ancient hero served as the standard of human beauty, strength, the will of an unbending spirit.