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would not kill Prometheus, just cause intense pain, and the liver would regenerate each night, ready to be eaten again the next day.

It was though a punishment that was not destined to last for eternity. Hercules, the Greek hero and son of Zeus, was on his quests and in need of assistance. Thus it was that Hercules rescued Prometheus, killing the eagles with his bow and arrow, and releasing Prometheus from his chains. Prometheus then told Hercules to seek out his brother, Atlas, in order that his quest should be completed.

Zeus allowed Prometheus to remain free, partially because Hercules was his favoured son, and partially because there was some reconciliation between Prometheus and Zeus. Prometheus is said to have warned Zeus that a marriage to Thetis, a sea nymph, could result in his downfall. Thetis in fact married Peleus, and went on to give birth to the Greek hero Achilles. This was believed to have thus broken the prophecy.

The story of Prometheus is a widespread one, and unlike other individuals in Greek mythology appears in multiple sources retelling the tale. It is interesting to consider that from the tales the gods of Mount Olympus are not the benefactors of mankind, and it is one of their predecessors who gains most praise from the educating of man.

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