In Greek mythology, Prometheus is a Titan god of fire. Prometheus is best known for defying the gods by stealing fire from them in a fennel stalk and giving it to humanity in the form of technology, knowledge, and more generally, civilization. He was the bringer of civilization who protected humanity against the other gods, including during the great flood. He is also credited with the creation of humanity from clay. Prometheus is known for his intelligence and for being a champion of humankind, and is also generally seen as the author of the human arts and sciences. Prometheus became a figure who represented human striving (particularly the quest for scientific knowledge) and the risk of overreaching or unintended consequences. He is the god of forethought and crafty counsel, is a culture hero, and trickster figure.

The punishment of Prometheus as a consequence of the theft of fire and giving it to humans was Zeus sentencing him to eternal torment for his transgression. Prometheus was bound to a rock, and an eagle was sent to eat his liver. His liver would then grow back overnight, only to be eaten again the next day in an ongoing cycle. Prometheus was eventually freed by the hero Heracles.