Who is Prometheus? The image of Prometheus in literature and culture

Many are familiar with the image of Prometheus thanks to ancient mythology. The hero of the ancient Greek legends evokes positive associations, because he helped people at the cost of their own freedom. The image of Prometheus in literature and culture is immortalized in a variety of different works. About Prometheus there are many written sources, also it was often depicted by artists and sculptors from different eras. The most common is the 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. Prometheus was also a cousin of the great Zeus the Thunderer. His name translates as "foreseeing the future", "knowing in advance". 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 building trade, the extraction of food, taught him to read and even suggested how to behave properly with the gods. Once enraged Zeus took away the people's fire. To the unfortunate not killed and not frozen, Prometheus stole burning coals for them at Hephaestus, for which he was brutally punished by the thunderer. The Titan was chained to a high mountain by heavy chains and every day suffered from the unbearable pain inflicted by the eagle pecking his liver. People praised the fearless Prometheus, his image was associated with a sacrifice brought in the name of good.

Predictor

For a very long time Prometheus endured physical and mental anguish. Despite the pleas and entreaties of his mother Themis, Zeus did not want to stop the suffering of the titan. He was eaten by curiosity. After all, Prometheus knew the fate of the great thunderer. Zeus sent to Prometheus Hermes, so that he would discover the secret of his future. Hermes promised to release Prometheus from the shackles, as soon as he tells his prediction. Titan agreed. But it was too late: the prediction had almost come true. He warned Zeus that he would not connect his destiny with the sea goddess Thetis, because they will have a son who will be stronger and ruthless than his father. But Hercules was destined to come into the world and overcome his father. Being not far from the place of imprisonment of Prometheus, the Greek hero, having learned about the tortures of the titan, ascended to the mountain and freed the sufferer. After liberation, the feud between Zeus and Prometheus did not stop, but Lord Olympus was punished by fate itself for its harsh temper.

The image of Prometheus in the literature

What can be said about this? The figure of the great titan Prometheus, whose image was loved by the poets and writers of all time, was very significant in the literature. In the myth written by Geosid, Prometheus appears as a cunning, who stole fire in a very ingenious way. The Titan built a staff hollow inside, and went to Hephaestus. When he was distracted, Prometheus put several coals inside the staff and retired. In Aeschylus the image of Prometheus is imbued with drama, it is full of love and compassion for people in need. Apollodorus of Athenian Prometheus acts as the creator. Goethe also gives the creativity and spirit of the creator the image of Prometheus, an ancient hero who bears freedom and spiritual greatness.

Prometheus in musical works

Composers who composed their masterpieces, often paid attention to the heroes of the ancient epic. Images of the Titans conquered by their strength, grandeur and beauty. The Hungarian composer F. List created a series of symphonic poems on an ancient theme, among which "Prometheus", based on the dramatic work of Herder "The Prometheus". A. Scriabin created his symphonic poem "Prometheus" under the impression of spiritual strength and freedom of the hero of ancient mythology. Dancer Viganos inspired Prometheus to create a ballet consisting of two acts and put on the music of Beethoven.

Prometheus in Painting

A bright master in the depiction of antique figures, and specifically Prometheus himself, is the famous Flemish painter, the founder of the Baroque style, Peter Paul Rubens. He wrote many amazing works, among them "Prometheus, bringing fire to Earth" and "Prometheus chained." A painting called "Prometheus the Defeated" is also from one talented Flemish Jacob Jordaens. The artist is a follower of Rubens. This can be traced in his manner of writing: bright, juicy, full and alive. Another artist with a similar style of writing - Jan Kossirs. His work "Prometheus, carrying fire," where the titanium is depicted in scarlet antique attire, 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 Titanium."

Prometheus in sculpture

In European sculptors, the figure of Prometheus aroused great interest. Many masters devoted their work to the creation of sculptures 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 story alive and dynamic. The work is filled with expression, well conveys the viewer's feelings of the hero. Noteworthy is the work of the French master NS Adam "Chained Prometheus." This work is executed in the style of neoclassicism, the accent in it is a careful study of the details. The image of Prometheus inspired many sculptors to create their imperishable masterpieces. For the German master Arno Breker, the ancient hero served as a standard of human beauty, strength, the will of an unbending spirit.