Prometheus gave fire to humanity in the mythological story preceding Pandora’s creation.
Prometheus is a Titan in Greek mythology who steals fire from the gods and gives it to humans. Zeus punishes him for this act, and Hesiod presents Pandora as part of the punishment imposed on humanity in response. The two myths are therefore closely connected in Greek literary tradition.
Prometheus’s name is commonly interpreted as “forethought,” while his brother Epimetheus’s name means “afterthought.” Zeus sends Pandora to Epimetheus, who accepts her despite Prometheus’s warning not to receive gifts from the gods.
The fire myth has several versions across ancient authors. In Hesiod, Prometheus’s deception and theft lead to Zeus withholding benefits from humans and sending Pandora. Prometheus is not the god who creates Pandora; that task is assigned to Hephaestus. Atlas, Cronus, and Orpheus belong to other mythic stories and do not occupy Prometheus’s role here.