In Greek mythology, Prometheus stole fire for humanity before Pandora was created.
Prometheus was a Titan associated with forethought, craft, and the protection of human beings. In the myth recorded by Hesiod, he deceived Zeus during a sacrifice and later stole fire from the gods to give it to mortals. Zeus responded by arranging a punishment for humanity through the creation of Pandora.
The story connects fire with civilization, technology, cooking, and sacrifice. It also establishes a recurring contrast between Prometheus’s foresight and his brother Epimetheus’s hindsight. Prometheus understands the danger of accepting Zeus’s gift, but Epimetheus accepts Pandora despite his brother’s warning.
Later authors, especially the tragedian associated with Prometheus Bound, developed Prometheus into a more sympathetic champion of humanity. Those later portrayals differ in tone from Hesiod’s account, where the fire theft and Pandora episode emphasize conflict with Zeus and the burdens of mortal existence.