# Prometheus and the Making of Man explained — Aesop's Fables

> Chapter companion for Aesop's Fables by Aesop.

## What happens

At Jupiter's command, Prometheus creates Man and the animals. To balance the numbers of rational and irrational beings, Jupiter orders Prometheus to transform some animals into men, explaining why some humans possess beastly souls.

## Themes in this chapter

### Human Nature and Vice

The fable suggests that human nature can be corrupted by a beastly soul, reflecting inherent vices.

### Appearance vs. Reality

Some people appear human but possess the souls of beasts, highlighting the discrepancy between outward form and inner nature.

## Character check-ins

### Prometheus

The creator of Man and animals, acting on Jupiter's orders.

### Jupiter

Commands Prometheus to create and balance the populations of rational and irrational beings.

## Key lines

> Jupiter, seeing that Mankind, the only rational creatures, were far outnumbered by the irrational beasts, bade him redress the balance by turning some of the latter into men.

Jupiter noticed that rational humans were fewer than irrational animals, so he ordered Prometheus to transform some animals into humans to even the numbers.

_Explains the origin of humans with beastly souls._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se/chapters/prometheus-and-the-making-of-man
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se/chapters