Prometheus Bound

by

Aeschylus

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The Olympians Term Analysis

The younger generation of Greek gods led by Zeus. The Olympians clash with the Titans, the older generation of Greek gods led by Zeus’s father, Kronos, during the Battle of the Titans. Zeus and the Olympians are victorious, thanks to Prometheus’s foresight.

The Olympians Quotes in Prometheus Bound

The Prometheus Bound quotes below are all either spoken by The Olympians or refer to The Olympians. For each quote, you can also see the other terms and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
Power vs. Reason Theme Icon
).
Prometheus Bound Quotes

We have arrived at the far limit of the world.
These are the Scythian mountains, desolate and vast.
Hephaistos, you must carry out the Father’s will
and bind the criminal to this steep looming rock
with chains of adamant, unbreakable.
It was your flower he stole, the bright and dancing fire,
and gave its wonderworking power to mortals.
This is the crime for which he now must pay
the price to all the gods, that he may learn
to love the tyranny of Zeus
and quit his friendship with the human race.

Related Characters: Kratos (Might) (speaker), Prometheus, Zeus, Hephaistos, Bia (Force)
Related Symbols: Fire, Chains
Page Number: 5
Explanation and Analysis:

Thus at all times one torment or another
will plague you. Your rescuer is not yet born.
This is the fruit of your philanthropy.
A god, you scorned the anger of the gods
by granting mortals honor above their due.
For that, you will keep vigil on this rock,
upright, unsleeping, and never bend a knee.
And many a groan will pass your lips, and sighing,
and bitter lamentation, all in vain.
Zeus’ vengeance is implacable. His power is new,
and everyone with newborn power is harsh.

Related Characters: Hephaistos (speaker), Prometheus, Zeus, Heracles
Related Symbols: Fire
Page Number: 6
Explanation and Analysis:

Go play the rebel now, go plunder the gods’ treasure
and give it to your creatures of a day.
What portion of your pain can mortals spare you?
The gods who named you the Forethinker were mistaken.
You’ll need forethought beyond your reckoning
to wriggle your way out of this device.

Related Characters: Kratos (Might) (speaker), Prometheus, Themis
Page Number: 11
Explanation and Analysis:
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