Prometheus
The Titan freed by Heracles who directs him to obtain the apples through Atlas.
Overview
Prometheus changes the method of the eleventh labour through knowledge. Pseudo-Apollodorus has Heracles kill the eagle feeding on his liver and release him from his bonds during the journey; the freed Titan then advises against taking the apples directly and recommends using Atlas. This story appearance covers liberation and advice without importing his complete fire-theft, punishment or culture traditions from other sources.
Key facts
Freed during the journey
Heracles kills the eagle feeding on his liver and releases Prometheus from the bonds.
Advising the Atlas route
Prometheus advises that Heracles should not pluck the fruit himself but have Atlas fetch it.
Relationships
- Heraclesadvises using Atlas
Prometheus advises Heracles not to take the fruit himself but to use Atlas.
- The Division at Meconearranges the sacrificial division
Prometheus divides the ox into two portions, placing concealed meat and covered bones before Zeus.
- The Theft of Firesteals fire for mortals
Prometheus hides fire inside a hollow fennel stalk and carries it back to the mortal world.
- Prometheus Boundtorments each day
The binding subjects Prometheus to an eagle that consumes his liver by day while it grows again at night.
- Epimetheuswarns against Zeus’s gift
Prometheus warns Epimetheus in advance not to accept any gift sent by Zeus.
Story appearances
- The Labours of HeraclesPrometheus in the Labours
Prometheus enters this story through Heracles' labours; when other stories return to the figure, they follow that later setting.
- Olympian OrderThe Titan who intervenes for mortals in the conflicts over sacrifice, fire and divine authority
Prometheus reshapes the sacrificial division at Mecone and returns fire to mortals after Zeus withholds it; the repeated challenges lead to his binding and the eagle’s torment.
Ancient sources
MythWeave distinguishes ancient-source evidence from later adaptations and modern interpretation.