Hesoid's Theogany: Relationship Between Zeus And Prometheus

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The complex and unique relationship between Zeus and Prometheus is one that revolves around power and turns them from friends to enemies. During the Titanomachy, the war between the Titans and the Olympian gods, Prometheus helped Zeus during the war which stabilized their relationship. However, it goes in the opposite direction when Prometheus tricks Zeus twice, and is then punished by him in the form of eternal torture. (Prime 3) Prometheus displays his desire to help mankind, while Zeus cares more about bringing about justice to those who disobey him. In Hesoid's Theogany, Zeus and Prometheus are involved in a relationship where Zeus wishes to promote justice by punishing humanity due to him being tricked. On the other hand Prometheus' desire is to protect and promote mankind due to him creating them. In turn, Zeus acts as an agent of evil who aims to tear down the agent of hope for humanity, Prometheus. This is significant because it shows the shift in power between Zeus and Prometheus. Zeus enacts punishments to display the power he has, meanwhile Prometheus uses his cleverness and trickery to show his own power. In the end, the …show more content…

Zeus and Prometheus are at war with their interests. Zeus wants to establish his authority by using his power to punish both Prometheus and humanity, while Prometheus only wishes to help his creations. This clash over who is more powerful makes Zeus act as an agent of evil as he is tearing down humanity, and in turn Prometheus acts as an agent for hope as he helps humanity with their problems. The shift and struggle for power between Zeus and Prometheus is what is important. It displays that though Prometheus is at a disadvantage when going against Zeus, he does not give up as he wants to protect what is important to him. Zeus' power comes from punishing others, and Prometheus' power derives from his deception and desire to help

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