The Legend of Prometheus Chapter Notes | English Class 4 ICSE PDF Download

Introduction

This chapter tells a story from Greek mythology about how the world and people came to be. It focuses on a wise Titan named Prometheus who created humans from clay. The story also explains how fire was brought to people and the challenges Prometheus faced. It is an exciting tale about courage, love, and the gifts given to humans by gods and Titans.

Key Points

The story is about Prometheus, a wise Titan in Greek mythology.

• Titans rebelled against Zeus, their king, by piling rocks to reach his throne.
• Prometheus and his brother Epimetheus were spared when Zeus destroyed the Titans' pile.
• Prometheus created humans from clay, and Epimetheus gave animals special traits.
• Zeus and other gods helped give humans life and beauty, but they lived in caves.
• Prometheus stole fire from Zeus to help humans cook, build, and learn.
• Zeus punished Prometheus by chaining him to a mountain with a bird causing daily pain.
• Hercules, a hero, eventually freed Prometheus from his punishment.

Explanation

Long ago, the Titans, who were giant beings, lived among the mountains in Greece. They became upset with their king, Zeus, and wanted to take his throne. Prometheus, a smart Titan, warned them against this plan, but they ignored him. They gathered huge rocks and stacked them high to reach Zeus on Mount Olympus. When they finished, Zeus used his power to knock the pile into the sea, leaving only Prometheus and his brother Epimetheus on earth.

Feeling lonely, Zeus asked them to create people from clay. Prometheus shaped humans and animals, while Epimetheus gave them gifts like strength and speed. He also gave some creatures feathers, fur, or shells, but had nothing left for humans. Zeus then gave humans a beautiful covering. 

However, these clay people couldn’t breathe until Zeus sent Prometheus to Eolus, the wind god. Eolus’s son, North Wind, blew breath into them. Later, South Wind and Zephyrs brought grass, flowers, and taught them to laugh, cry, sing, and dance, but they still lived in dark caves.

Prometheus knew fire was needed to help them. Fire was Zeus’s most treasured possession, kept burning near his throne. When Prometheus asked for it, Zeus refused, saying he had already given enough. Loving his people deeply, Prometheus decided to take the fire anyway. 

He used a tool to carry it to them, teaching them to cook, build houses, sail ships, mine ores, and store food. Angry at this, Zeus chained Prometheus to a mountain and sent a bird to hurt him daily, wanting the fire back. Despite the pain, seeing his people thrive with fire kept Prometheus strong. After many years, Hercules, a Greek hero, freed him by killing the bird and breaking the chains.

Message

The story teaches us about the importance of courage and selflessness. Prometheus showed great love for his people by giving them fire, even at a huge cost to himself. It also shows that helping others can bring happiness and strength, even in tough times.

New Words with Meanings

• Attempt: To try to do something.
• Mound: A big pile of rocks and soil.
• Zephyr: A soft, gentle breeze; the god of the west wind.
• Ferule: A flat piece of wood, like a ruler.
• Torment: To cause a lot of pain and suffering.
• Faint-hearted: Lacking confidence or courage.