Prometheus Bound

Prometheus Bound is a play written by the ancient Greek tragedian Aeschylus which tells the story of the Titan Prometheus who defies the gods by stealing fire and giving it to humanity. As punishment for this act of rebellion Zeus orders that Prometheus be bound to a rock and left to suffer eternally. The play consists mainly of a dialogue between Prometheus and various other characters including the chorus of Oceanids Hermes (the messenger of the gods) and Io (a mortal woman who has been transformed into a cow by the wrath of Hera). Prometheus is portrayed as a defiant and wise figure who refuses to repent for his actions and who predicts his own eventual release from his bondage. The play explores themes such as the limits of human knowledge and power the relationship between mortals and immortals and the nature of justice and punishment. It is also notable for its use of vivid imagery and its portrayal of Prometheus as a tragic hero who suffers for his defiance of the gods. Prometheus Bound is one of the few surviving plays from ancient Greek theater and is considered a masterpiece of classical literature.