Prometheus and the Titans – the Myth and Pandora's Box
Prometheus is the Titan who stole fire from the gods and gave it to humanity – and was chained to a rock in eternal torment for it. Since antiquity his story has been a symbol of rebellion and self-sacrifice, and in literature it has given its name to a whole attitude: Prometheanism. Here is the myth of Prometheus, who the Titans were, and the coins that portray them.
Who was Prometheus?
Prometheus was one of the Titans – the older generation of deities who ruled the world before the Olympian gods. He was the son of the Titan Iapetus, and his brothers included Atlas and Epimetheus. His name means "forethought", his brother's "afterthought". In the war between the Titans and the gods, Prometheus sided with Zeus. In some myths he shaped the first humans from clay, and Athena breathed life into them.
The myth of Prometheus – the theft of fire
Prometheus was humanity's protector. When gods and humans at Mecone decided which parts of a sacrificial animal belonged to the gods, he tricked Zeus into choosing bones wrapped in glistening fat, leaving the meat to people. Enraged, Zeus took fire away from humans.
Prometheus would not accept it. He stole fire from Olympus and carried it to people hidden in a plant stalk. Thanks to fire, humans could cook, keep warm, smelt metals and develop crafts – fire became a symbol of knowledge and civilisation.
The punishment of Prometheus
Zeus had Prometheus chained to a rock in the Caucasus. Every day an eagle came and ate his liver, which grew back overnight – and the torment began again. Prometheus was freed only by Heracles, who shot the eagle with his bow. The story was told by Hesiod in the "Theogony" and by Aeschylus in the tragedy "Prometheus Bound".
Prometheus and Pandora's box
Zeus punished humanity too. He had Hephaestus shape the first woman – Pandora – and each god gave her a gift (hence her name, "all-gifted"). Pandora became the wife of Epimetheus, even though Prometheus had warned his brother against gifts from Zeus. She received a jar that must never be opened. Curiosity won – disease, suffering and all the evils of the world flew out, and only hope remained inside.
In the myth it was a large clay jar, not a box – "Pandora's box" comes from a later mistranslation that stuck. Today "opening Pandora's box" means setting off an avalanche of problems.
What is Prometheanism?
Prometheanism is a readiness to sacrifice oneself for the good of others and to rebel against tyranny, even at the cost of suffering – just as Prometheus defied Zeus for the sake of humanity. The motif was especially important in Romanticism; in Polish literature the best-known example is Konrad in Adam Mickiewicz's "Forefathers' Eve", who challenges God on behalf of his suffering nation. Prometheus still symbolises progress and courage – his gilded statue stands at Rockefeller Center in New York.
Who were the Titans?
The Titans were the children of Uranus (Sky) and Gaia (Earth) – twelve powerful deities, among them Cronus, Rhea, Oceanus, Hyperion, Iapetus, Mnemosyne and Themis, goddess of justice. The youngest, Cronus, overthrew his father and took power over the world. Fearing a prophecy that his own son would dethrone him, he swallowed his children as soon as they were born. His wife Rhea saved the youngest – Zeus – by giving Cronus a stone wrapped in swaddling clothes.
The grown Zeus freed his siblings and began the Titanomachy – a ten-year war between the gods and the Titans. The victorious gods cast the Titans into Tartarus and condemned Atlas to hold up the sky. A book of maps – an atlas – is named after him. The Romans identified Cronus with Saturn.
Prometheus and the Titans on coins
- Prometheus: Prometheus – Greek Mythology 3 oz, Prometheus – Titans 3 oz and Prometheus – Ancient Myths 2 oz,
- Pandora: Pandora's Box 5 oz (Samoa 2027 – available) and the earlier Pandora's Box 3 oz,
- the Titans: Cronus 2 oz, Cronus 3 oz, Rhea 2 oz, Atlas 3 oz and Atlas glow-in-the-dark,
- the war of gods and Titans: Titanomachy 500 g,
- the Titaness Themis: Themis – Goddess of Justice (available).
Most of these are sold-out issues shown as an archive. You will find all coins with gods and heroes in the Greek Mythology category. Read also about the Greek gods and their symbols and about Odysseus and the Trojan horse.
Frequently asked questions
Why was Prometheus punished?
For stealing fire from the gods and giving it to humans against Zeus's will.
Who freed Prometheus?
Heracles, who killed the eagle that ate his liver.
What does Pandora's box mean?
A source of unexpected trouble. According to myth, all the evils of the world flew out of Pandora's jar, and only hope remained inside.
How many Titans were there?
Twelve – six Titans and six Titanesses, children of Uranus and Gaia.
What is Prometheanism?
An attitude of self-sacrifice for the good of others and rebellion against unjust power, modelled on the myth of Prometheus.
Summary
Prometheus gave humanity fire – and with it knowledge and hope – which is why he has been a symbol of courage and progress for thousands of years. If you are looking for a coin with Prometheus, the Titans or Pandora, visit the Greek Mythology category or contact us – we will help you find a specific issue.