Prometheus

DEFINITION

In Greek mythology, Prometheus, one of the Titan giants, modeled humans from clay and then taught them agriculture and all the arts of civilization. He also stole fire from the gods and gave it to humans. So inventive was Prometheus that anything that is notably creative and original may be called "Promethean." Zeus, however, had wanted the human race to perish, so Prometheus' actions were also disobedient. Hence "Promethean" can also mean defiant of authority or limits. As punishment for his disobedience, Zeus chained Prometheus to a rock where an eagle daily ate his liver. Thus, any suffering on a grand scale can also be called Promethean, though this sense is not as common as the others.(pr. prə-MEE-thee-əs and prə-MEE-thee-ən ["th" as in "think"])