Prometheus Bound by Aeschylus. Short summary

5 seconds

The mighty titan Prometheus brought fire to mankind from Mount Olympus, through which mankind mastered many crafts and knowledge. For this transgression Zeus chained the titan to a rock at the edge of the earth.

1 minute

Prometheus has more than once defended people from the arbitrariness of the gods. Now to save them from the wrath of Zeus, who wants to destroy the human race, the titan brought them fire from Olympus. Thanks to the gift of Prometheus, people have mastered many knowledge and crafts.

Upon learning of the titan’s action, the thunderer became enraged. He ordered Hermes to chain Prometheus to a rock in the wilderness of the Scythians. Each day an eagle flew to the prisoner and pecked out his liver. It grew back overnight, and Prometheus’ torment was repeated at sunrise.

Titan was visited by the Oceanides, their father, and Io, Zeus’ former lover. Io had once been a beautiful girl, but now she wandered as a cow, humbly awaiting deliverance from her misfortunes.

Hermes also came to Prometheus. He had been instructed by his lord to inquire of the prisoner the fate of the thunderer. But the titan did not answer the envoy’s questions. Then Zeus cracked the rock, and the obstinate man fell underground.