Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Prometheus and Pandora explained
This chapter recounts the Greek myth of creation, beginning with Chaos and the separation of earth, sea, and sky.
What happens
This chapter recounts the Greek myth of creation, beginning with Chaos and the separation of earth, sea, and sky. It describes how Prometheus and Epimetheus were tasked with creating man and animals, and how Prometheus stole fire from heaven to benefit mankind, incurring Jupiter's wrath. As punishment, Jupiter created Pandora, the first woman, who opened a jar releasing plagues upon humanity, leaving only hope inside. The chapter then describes the subsequent ages of man—Golden, Silver, Brazen, and Iron—and concludes with Jupiter's decision to destroy humanity by flood.
Themes in this chapter
Hubris and Divine Retribution
Prometheus's theft of fire defies Jupiter's will, leading to severe punishment; Pandora's curiosity brings divine retribution upon mankind.
Mortality and Immortality
The creation of man from earth and the gift of fire highlight the boundary between mortal and immortal; Prometheus's immortal suffering contrasts with human mortality.
Cultural Transmission and Education
Prometheus teaches mankind civilization and the arts, and the myth itself serves as a vehicle for moral and cultural lessons.
Characters to notice
- Prometheus
A Titan who created man from earth and water, stole fire from the sun to aid humanity, and was punished by Jupiter.
- Epimetheus
Brother of Prometheus, who heedlessly accepted Pandora despite warnings.
- Jupiter
King of the gods, angered by Prometheus's theft of fire, ordered the creation of Pandora, and later decided to destroy humanity by flood.
- Pandora
The first woman, created by the gods as a punishment, whose curiosity released evils into the world, leaving only hope.
- Minerva
Goddess who aided Prometheus in stealing fire from the sun.
- Neptune
Brother of Jupiter, called upon to help flood the earth.
Key passages
“Prometheus has been a favorite subject with the poets. He is represented as the friend of mankind, who interposed in their behalf when Jove was incensed against them, and who taught them civilization and the arts.”
Poets often depict Prometheus as humanity's ally, intervening when Jupiter was angry and bringing them culture and skills.
Introduces Prometheus's role as a benefactor of humanity.
“Jupiter had him chained to a rock on Mount Caucasus, where a vulture preyed on his liver, which was renewed as fast as devoured.”
Jupiter punished Prometheus by chaining him to a mountain where an eagle ate his liver, which grew back each day.
Describes the eternal torment of Prometheus.
“The first woman was named Pandora. She was made in heaven, every god contributing something to perfect her. Venus gave her beauty, Mercury persuasion, Apollo music, etc.”
Pandora, the first woman, was crafted in heaven with each god bestowing a gift: beauty from Venus, eloquence from Mercury, musical talent from Apollo, and so on.
Explains the divine origin and attributes of Pandora.
“Pandora was seized with an eager curiosity to know what this jar contained; and one day she slipped off the cover and looked in. Forthwith there escaped a multitude of plagues for hapless man—such as gout, rheumatism, and colic for his body, and envy, spite, and revenge for his mind—and scattered themselves far and wide.”
Overcome by curiosity, Pandora opened the jar, releasing a swarm of physical and mental afflictions—like gout, envy, and spite—across the world.
Describes the release of evils from Pandora's jar.
“So we see at this day, whatever evils are abroad, hope never entirely leaves us; and while we have that, no amount of other ills can make us completely wretched.”
Thus, even amid widespread suffering, hope remains with humanity, preventing utter despair.
Moral lesson about the enduring presence of hope.
