In Greek mythology, Prometheus was chained to a rock as punishment for giving fire to humans. His punishment is the event that leads directly to Zeus’s creation and sending of Pandora in Hesiod’s account.
Prometheus is a Titan who acts as humanity’s benefactor. After he steals fire from the gods, Zeus has him bound, and an eagle repeatedly eats his liver. Because Prometheus is immortal, the liver grows back, allowing the punishment to continue.
The Prometheus story and Pandora story are often told together, but they are separate episodes. Prometheus’s theft explains why Zeus seeks revenge, while Pandora’s arrival explains how troubles enter human life. Prometheus’s brother Epimetheus receives Pandora despite Prometheus’s warning.
Ancient sources differ in some details of the punishment and in how the fire episode is arranged. The enduring connection is stable: Prometheus’s theft of fire provokes Zeus, and Pandora becomes part of the retaliatory plan.