Prometheus



In a mythological world full of crime and punishment (sometimes fair, more often not), the story of Prometheus is potentially the most well-known.
Image result for prometheus titanPrometheus was a Titan that fought on the side of Zeus and the Olympian Gods in the Titanomachy - the war which resulted in Zeus overthrowing his father, Cronus, and becoming King of Olympus. While most people know the story of Prometheus stealing fire from the Gods, fewer know that it was Prometheus himself that created humans in the image of the Olympians themselves. Seeing that his beloved creations were suffering, Prometheus brought them fire from Olympus which allowed them to cook, create, and keep themselves safe. Enraged by this betrayal, Zeus ordered Prometheus to be chained to the side of a mountain for eternity, where each day he would be attacked by a ravenous bird which would rip out and eat the Titan's liver, only for it to grow back overnight to be devoured again the next day. Stoically, Prometheus endured this terrible punishment, refusing to reveal to Zeus the details of the prophecy of Zeus' eventual downfall until he was released from his torment. Zeus, as stubborn as ever, refused his former friend's release under any circumstances.


*For older students (or interested parents), Madeleine Miller's excellent novel Circe details the punishment and character of Prometheus brilliantly. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Greek Mythology.

Lesson:

1. Read through the myth of Prometheus: https://www.dltk-kids.com/world/greece/m-story-prometheus-fire.htm

2. Watch this informative video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_u91SjrEOE

KS3:

1. Create a character poster of Prometheus:

  • What key information do we learn about his character? What important actions did he take?
  • Can you think of 5 ambitious adjectives to describe him? For example: Productive.
  • Could you draw an image of what you think he would look like? Or an image of his terrible punishment?

2. Discussion questions:

  • Why do you think Prometheus steals fire from Olympus even though he knew the consequences?
  • Do you think his motivation justifies his actions? Was he right to steal fire?
  • Why do you think Zeus was so angry with Prometheus?

3. Write a paragraph explaining whether or not you think Prometheus' punishment was fair. Use evidence from the story to support your ideas. Feel free to use some of the sentence starters below to help:

I think Prometheus' punishment was fair/unfair because...
In the story, we are told... This suggests to me...
The line "                 " makes me think...

4. Create a script of Zeus and Prometheus arguing about Prometheus' crime, ending with Zeus commanding Prometheus' punishment.

KS4:

1. Re-read the section beginning "Prometheus went boldly to Zeus". Write a paragraph explaining what Zeus' reaction shows us about his character. Use evidence from this section to support your ideas, zooming in on key language used by the writer.

In this section, the writer presents Zeus as...
This can be seen in the line "                " which suggests...
In particular, the use of the word/phrase/[technique] "              " is effective as it emphasises...
This may make the reader feel/think/realise... because...

2. "Prometheus is a tragic hero who should be looked to as a symbol of creativity and morality, not as a criminal"

Using the article and the video, write a short essay or speech explaining whether you agree/disagree with this statement. Use evidence from either source and feel free to add your own research to your work.

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