In Greek mythology, Prometheus stole fire from the gods and gave it to humanity.
Prometheus was a Titan known for his intelligence and for favoring humans. In the best-known version of the story, he took divine fire and delivered it to mortals, enabling them to cook food, make tools, work metal, and develop civilization. Zeus considered this an offense against the divine order.
As punishment, Zeus had Prometheus chained to a mountain, where an eagle repeatedly ate his liver. Because Prometheus was immortal, the liver grew back, continuing the torment until Heracles eventually freed him in later tradition.
Prometheus is often confused with his brother Epimetheus, whose name is associated with hindsight and who accepted Pandora as a gift. He is also distinct from Hephaestus, the divine smith connected with fire, and Daedalus, the mortal inventor of Crete. The fire story made Prometheus a lasting symbol of foresight, rebellion, and human progress.