Zeus will not be taken lightly, especially in regards to his sacred flame. Zeus’ punishments, while not exactly fair, are very symbolic and metaphorical. Prometheus was punished by eating his liver every day by an Aigle until the end. The Story of Prometheus is translated by Hugh G. Evelyn White. The reader can see that Zeus reacted violently to Prometheus for his practical jokes. This reflects the severity of Greek government in the ancient world, intolerance of disrespect and overconfidence as well as the fear of Gods’ power. Zeus is a major character in the story of ancient Greece.
Zeus’ harsh punishment of Prometheus for stealing the sacred fire is a symbol of the severity of ancient Greek governance in many ways. Zeus used cruel chains and inextricable bindings to punish Prometheus. He also drove a shaft right through his center. Zeus then set a long-winged Eagle on Prometheus who ate his immortal liver. By night, however, the liver had grown as much each day as the long-winged birds devoured. This punishment, which represents Zeus stealing the fire of Prometheus, is very significant. This line portrays vivid imagery. Zeus eats Prometheus liver, which is commonly thought to be the human fire as it regulates blood and temperature. Hesiod, in his use of “devoured”, implies that Prometheus’s liver is being ripped from him. The “cruel” chains or bonds are described as “firm, inextricable, and everlasting” by Hesiod, expressing the Greek government’s firm grip on Greece. Zeus also takes his punishment seriously. He would not have been so severe if the bonds were destructible.
Pandora is Zeus’s most extravagant punishment. Zeus punishes the Greeks for giving them fire by curseing Pandora. The Greeks would then compromise good for evil. Zeus thinks that humans should learn from the fire that they have received that not all will be well. Pandora’s box was created as a result. Zeus puts all kinds of negativities, including greed, disease and pain in the box. Prometheus represents the only hope man has because he is the one that has always protected humanity. Zeus’ impatience toward Prometheus is a symbol of how ancient Greeks did not tolerate disobedience, or too much self-confidence. Prometheus, driven by his need to entertain himself and make jokes, was often blinded when making decisions. Prometheus’ ambition and enjoyment in wiles drive him to try to fool Zeus. “…Prometheus even went so far as to cut up the ox, and show portions of it to Zeus to confuse his mind. Prometheus, driven by his ambition and amusement in wiles, tries to trick Zeus. “…even then Prometheus was forward to cut up a great ox and see portions before them trying befool the mind of Zeus.” Zeus, who is all-knowing and has the power to see through Prometheus’ apparent abilities, knows that he is being tricked.
Zeus is known for his omniscience. Prometheus becomes too confident in his own abilities due to hubris, or overconfidence. Zeus is deeply angered by this. The ancient Greek government regarded hubris as a crime punishable just like the gods. The ancient Greeks punished hubris. They did not tolerate hubris nor disobedience, because they were following the stories of the gods. Zeus’s rage is not surprising, as the Greeks regarded the gods and their behavior as “role-models”. Ancient Greeks were afraid of Zeus’ wrath for many valid reasons. “…Zeus thunders in the sky, but he was hurt by the anger of the ancient Greeks. His heart was also angered as he saw a ray if fire amongst the men. As a result, he created a horrible thing to be paid by men for the fire. The famous Limping God made of earth an image of a shy young woman …”. Zeus’s vexation of humanity leads to several outrages, and the negative consequences that men fear. Pandora is responsible for bringing illness, hatred and theft to the world. Ancient Greeks soon learnt that gods are not to be trifled with, and they would rather punish than reward. In ancient Greek culture, gods are revered as well as feared because of their power. Zeus is omniscient, as his epithets show. The ancient Greeks were constantly reminded of the many myths.
Zeus punishes Prometheus for his tricks, which he finds irritating. Zeus’ punishment to Prometheus can be described as a severe, intolerant government, which was god-fearing. Zeus’ temperament and actions may have led the ancient Greeks and readers to not make Zeus the king of gods. Zeus, however, is not a deity. He’s a mere human.