Prometheus Bound

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  Book 0

  The complete text of Prometheus Bound. Chained to a rock for stealing fire, Prometheus refuses to submit to Zeus. He knows a secret that could destroy the king of the gods.

  33 lines
• Prologue

  Kratos and Bia, servants of Zeus, chain Prometheus to a rock in Scythia. Hephaestus reluctantly drives in the bolts. Prometheus is punished for giving fire to mankind.

  73 lines
• Parodos

  The chorus of Oceanids arrives, drawn by the sound of hammering. They pity Prometheus and ask what he has done to deserve this.

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• First Episode

  Prometheus tells the Oceanids his story: he sided with Zeus against the Titans, then stole fire for mortals when Zeus planned to destroy them. His reward is this.

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• First Stasimon

  The chorus laments Prometheus's suffering and reflects on the difference between his former glory and his present agony.

  Not yet imported
• Oceanus

  The Titan Oceanus arrives offering to intercede with Zeus. Prometheus warns him away — Zeus punishes anyone who shows sympathy.

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• Second Stasimon

  The chorus mourns the fate of Prometheus and all the Titans. They recall the wedding of Prometheus and Hesione in happier times.

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• Prometheus's Gifts

  Prometheus catalogues everything he gave humanity: number, writing, astronomy, medicine, metallurgy, navigation, divination. All civilisation is his gift.

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• Third Stasimon

  The chorus reflects on the terrible cost of defying Zeus and the futility of challenging the king of the gods.

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• Io

  Io arrives, driven mad by a gadfly, transformed into a cow by Zeus's jealousy. Prometheus prophesies her future wanderings and reveals that a descendant of hers will eventually free him.

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• Hermes

  Hermes arrives demanding that Prometheus reveal the secret he holds — which future marriage of Zeus will produce a son stronger than his father.

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