In Hesiod’s Greek myth of Pandora, Prometheus stole fire from the gods for humans. This act gave humanity a powerful advantage and provoked Zeus, who responded by arranging the creation of Pandora as a punishment.
Prometheus is a Titan, and his name is often associated with forethought. In Greek mythology he is especially known as a benefactor of humankind. The theft of fire symbolizes access to technology, craft, cooking, and civilization, although different ancient authors develop those themes in different ways.
Hesiod’s Works and Days connects the theft directly with Pandora’s arrival. Zeus first hides fire from humans, Prometheus takes it back, and Zeus then devises a separate punishment. In another Hesiodic work, the Theogony, the conflict also involves Prometheus’s deception during a sacrifice at Mecone.
Later literature and art frequently portray Prometheus as a heroic rebel against divine authority. The Pandora story, however, focuses more on the consequences imposed on humanity after his defiance than on the mechanics of the theft itself.