Prometheus: the image in literature and art

Prometheus is an image of ancient Greek mythology. He represents steadfastness, endurance and selflessness. Prometheus is also a symbol of enlightenment, since it was he who, according to legend, gave people the ability to handle fire, for which he was cruelly punished by the all-powerful Zeus.

Myth

Prometheus is an image that has become part of the creativity 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, it is necessary to set out briefly the legend of Prometheus.

This fairy-tale hero is one of the titans, the gods of the second generation. Once, Prometheus disobeyed Zeus, giving people a fire. But first he had to steal the flame from the sacred Olympus. People lived in ignorance, their way of life was not easy. Thus, Prometheus not only improved the life of man, but also opened the way for him to enlightenment. For this noble act he suffered severe punishment.

Prometheus is an image in mythology, symbolizing foresight. His very name in translation means "thinking." And the chief god of Olympus thought up the punishment for him truly painful: he ordered the rebellious titan to chained in the rock, and the bloodthirsty crow, flown daily to the martyr, pecked his liver. Prometheus could save only one thing: Zeus demanded that he name the one who will give him a son, capable of overthrowing his father in the future. But chained to the rock preferred silence and incredible agony.

The image of Prometheus in literature and art occupies a special place. After all, it does not lose relevance. The symbol of martyrdom for the sake of mankind's salvation is also used by modern authors.

The Tragedy of Aeschylus

Prometheus - the image that, above all, inspired the ancient authors. At the heart of the tragedy of Aeschylus, "Prometheus Chained" is a mythological plot. The main character is Titan, who was able to teach people how to use fire. Also, thanks to Prometheus, people have trained animals, learned the basics of shipbuilding. Zeus did not like these actions of the titan: he foresaw that the independence of man can lead to 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 gratitude. Despite this, he does what he considers his duty.

"Prometheus Chained" is a tragedy that entered the trilogy. However, the rest of its parts, unfortunately, did not survive. For the first time the work of an ancient playwright was staged on theatrical stage in about 444-443 BC. E.

Goethe

The mythological character was dedicated to his famous poem by one of the great thinkers of the 18th century. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, based on the legend of Prometheus, created a poem in which the protagonist-titan turns to Zeus himself, calling the gods insignificant, and their greatness wretched. The German poet in his work was able to convey the defiance of the legendary prisoner, steadfastness, fearlessness and the desire to go to his goal against everything.

The image of Prometheus in the world literature has been used many times. Below we list the most famous works based on the eternal story of the most staunch and sacrificial character of ancient Greek legends.

Byron

English romantic poet in his work also turned to the legendary image. In the poem "Prometheus" the author extols the selfless action of the martyr. Byron emphasizes that the hero did not receive awards for his brave actions, but his act became a model of imitation for the whole human race.

Shelley

Borrowing the famous mythological plot, the English poet of the XIX century created a tragedy called "Liberated Prometheus". The action begins in the mountains, where the chained titan ejaculates terrible reproaches against the supreme god. With the sympathy of the hero listen to the oceanids that are here, at the feet of the muchnik. Zeus not only punished the one who dared to disobey him, but also threw all sorts of troubles on the whole human race. But the hero does not give up and believes in his high destiny. Shelley's work ends with the overthrow of the tormentor. Prometheus is liberated: on Earth, Wisdom, Compassion and Forbearance prevail.

In music

The image of Prometheus in literature, in music, in painting has been revised many times. Each of the authors saw it in their own way. But always this character personified resilience and unusual courage. A musical poem in honor of him was created by Alexander Skryabin. At the same time, Franz Liszt dedicated a symphony to the mythological hero.

Prometheus became one of the eternal literary images, because he is able to inspire courageous actions. In history, there are many cases where people committed treason only in order to gain material wealth. But there were those who went to certain death, did not retreat from the planned path. Writers and poets who describe such situations in their work often resorted to an allusion to the mythological story of the self-sacrificing titan.