Prometheus / Amirani
The story of Prometheus centers around the audacious act of stealing fire from the Olympian gods and gifting it to humanity. Fire, in this context, represents not just a physical element but also a metaphorical symbol of knowledge and technology. By providing humans with the means to control fire, Prometheus bestowed upon them the potential for innovation and progress, enabling the development of civilization itself. This act of defiance against divine authority showcases the power of human ingenuity, as it is through challenges to established norms that humanity has often made its most significant strides.
The location of Prometheus's punishment is often identified as the Caucasus Mountains, a rugged and majestic range that separates Europe from Asia. Interestingly, this mountainous region is also associated with the myth of Amirani, a hero from Georgian epic folklore. Like Prometheus, Amirani rebels against the gods by introducing the use of metal to humanity, initiating the first Iron Age. His act of defiance leads to punishment, and like Prometheus, he is chained to the Caucasus Mountains, where an eagle devours his liver daily, only to regenerate each night—an eternal cycle of torment and renewal.