Zeus and the creation of mankind Mrs. Raiyawa Period 1

Who are the main characters in this myth? Zeus – King of all gods/goddesses Prometheus – one of the Titans, helped Zeus defeat Cronus, names means “forethought” Epimetheus – one of the Titans, helped Zeus defeat Cronus, names means “afterthought” Athena – goddess of wisdom

Write a summary of your myth. Zeus decided it was time to create mankind, so he gave the task to the two Titan brothers, Prometheus and Epimetheus. Zeus also wanted them to give special gifts to both animals and the first of mankind. Epimetheus wanted to give gifts to the animals, so Prometheus created the first man. While Prometheus was working, Epimetheus gave great gifts to all species of animals. He gave things like claws, wings, horns and fur. He also gave traits like swiftness, courage, and cunning. Meanwhile, Prometheus was creating man from the image of the gods. He took sand and wet it so it would hold its shape, then molded it into a figure with two feet to stand on, so he could look up instead of down like most animals. When Prometheus was done he went to Epimetheus and asked him to give the best gifts to man. Epimetheus realized he had given all the best gifts to the animals already and had nothing left to help man survive. Prometheus was angry, and went to find something good enough for man. He decided to give man fire so he could cook food, keep warm, make weapons, and see in the darkness. The problem was, fire belonged to the gods only, so he had to steal it from Mount Olympus. With the goddess Athena’s help, he stole the fire and gave it to man. When Zeus looked down on the humans the next day, he was furious that they possessed such a powerful tool. He captured Prometheus and for his punishment, chained him to a giant boulder, where everyday a vulture would come and eat out his liver. Each night, his liver would grow back and the vulture would continue eating it again every day. Prometheus never regretted his decision for it gave man a tool to be more independent from the gods.

What natural phenomenon does this myth explain? This explain the creation of man. This explains how the animals came to be so different, and how they acquired specific traits. This explains how man received fire.

What lesson does this myth teach? This myth teaches that you should not steal from the gods.