In Greek mythology, Prometheus stole fire before Zeus created Pandora. He took the divine fire and gave it to humanity, enabling people to cook, work metal, and develop civilization in later interpretations.
Hesiod presents the theft as an offense against Zeus. The god responds with punishment directed at Prometheus and humanity. Prometheus is chained and subjected to a recurring torment, while Pandora becomes the instrument of a broader punishment for humans.
The myth's exact details vary among ancient authors. In Hesiod, Prometheus's theft is part of a sequence involving sacrifice and deception. In Aeschylus's Prometheus Bound, Prometheus is portrayed more strongly as a benefactor of humanity who teaches people numerous arts.
Prometheus's name is conventionally connected with forethought, contrasting with his brother Epimetheus, or afterthought. This relationship is important to the Pandora story because Epimetheus accepts Zeus's gift despite Prometheus's warning.