Source edition
Lucian, Vol. 2. Harmon, Austin Morris, editor. London: William Heinemann, Ltd.; Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1915.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This dialogue depicts the clever self-defense of the Titan Prometheus as he is being chained to Mount Caucasus by Hermes and Hephaestus under Zeus's orders. Charged with three main offenses—the deception in the division of meat, the creation of mankind, and the theft of fire—Prometheus systematically and humorously refutes each accusation before Hermes. First, he argues that Zeus's anger over the portioning of sacrificial meat reveals a petty and vengeful character. Next, he defends his creation of humans, asserting that mankind has brought order and beauty to the world, thereby enhancing the gods' own glory and joy. Regarding the theft of fire, he explains that it caused no loss to the gods and instead enabled humans to offer sacrifices. Finally, Prometheus hints that he holds a critical secret concerning Zeus's fate and is destined to be rescued by Heracles, concluding his eloquent defense with defiance.