The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition. 2002.
Prometheus
(pruh-MEE-thee-uhs, pruh-MEETh-yoohs) In classical mythology, the Titan who stole fire from the gods and gave it to humans. As punishment for the theft, Zeus ordered Prometheus chained to a rock and sent a great eagle to gnaw at the Titan’s liver. Despite his torment, Prometheus refused to submit to Zeus’ will. He was eventually rescued by Hercules.
‡ Prometheus has become a symbol of lonely and valiant resistance to authority. Aeschylus wrote a play, Prometheus Bound, and Percy Bysshe Shelley wrote a long poem entitled “Prometheus Unbound.”
