Prometheus, A Great Titan of Greek Mythology

Did you know?

April 6, 2020 – Five statues overlook Freedom Square, with the centerpiece of this collection being a Titan of Greek mythology: Prometheus. While the other four statues stand proudly, Prometheus is forced to one knee by shackles, defiantly raising a torch to the sky.

Why is he in shackles on one knee, raising this torch to the sky? First, let’s learn a little about Prometheus. His name can be translated to ‘forethought’, and he’s commonly associated with intelligence, self-sacrifice and inexhaustible empathy. Prometheus went against the wishes of Zeus, king of the Greek gods, by providing fire to humankind, an act which allowed humanity to develop rapidly. His punishment for this deed is immortalized in our statue: Prometheus was bound to a mountain where an eagle would eat his regenerating liver for the rest of eternity. A grueling punishment indeed.

The torch which Prometheus holds represents his unbreakable resilience in the face of oppression, and his determination to bring knowledge to humanity. The story of Prometheus perfectly illustrates how the empathy of one can influence the lives of many, inspiring them to see beyond.

To find out who the other four statues represent, be sure to look for another blog in the future.

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