Chapter 23: The Birth of Humanity (2)
Zeus' expression hardened at Prometheus' request for fire.
"You're asking for 'fire'…"
"Yes, grant us fire," Prometheus replied firmly.
"Do you understand what that means?"
"How could I not?"
Fire.
For thousands of years, from Uranus to Cronus, it had never been granted to any earthly race.
Fire was the very reason mortal beings both feared and revered the gods.
It was the key to civilization's advancement.
But the gods knew well: the more civilization progressed, the more beings might come to disdain them.
"You dare ask for such a thing, Prometheus. If you weren't the one who fought so valiantly in the Titanomachy, I wouldn't even entertain this,"
Zeus said, his glare sharp enough to suggest he'd strike down anyone else.
"I understand, King of the Gods. But the time has come for the gods to change. Look at the sea—look at the civilizations of the merfolk and fishmen. Isn't their progress remarkable? They've built cities and nations, yet they still honor and revere the sea gods."
"…"
"The earthly races must follow suit, or they'll be left behind. And the ones to lead this new era of civilization will be the humans I've created."
Prometheus' passionate plea swayed some of the gods.
Having seen the city-states of the sea, they couldn't help but envy the offerings those races provided, far surpassing those of the land.
A few gods began to agree with Prometheus.
"—He's right. The merfolk and fishmen's cities are impressive."
"—Have you seen the sirens' performances? Absolutely stunning."
"—Those shimmering scales and sleek tails are thrilling, aren't they?"
"—What's wrong with you…?"
As the gods' murmurs grew louder, Zeus stomped his foot.
Boom!
"Silence! The sea and the land are not the same!"
The room quieted, and Zeus addressed Prometheus in a solemn tone.
"The sea is ever-changing, its dangers unmatched by the land. The land, unless disturbed by the gods' whims, is peaceful. In such a state, can you guarantee humans won't grow arrogant and scorn the gods?"
Prometheus knew this question was a turning point.
Ordinarily, Zeus would have rejected the idea outright, but the thriving civilizations of the merfolk and fishmen, created by Poseidon, had shaken his resolve.
'No matter the outcome, humanity will face destruction once. But seeing the sea's civilizations, Zeus is beginning to waver. I must press this advantage.'
"Well…"
***
Time passed, and humans began establishing their place across the earth.
With fire, they forged civilizations and flourished.
Fire spread to other races as well, and through interactions with humans, they too began building a vast, interconnected civilization.
"Hmm… humans are thriving," Prometheus observed.
"You're that happy about it, brother?" Epimetheus asked.
"Of course. Don't you see their beauty and splendor? Humans will ultimately dominate the world."
Epimetheus was appalled, quickly glancing around to ensure no one overheard.
"Are you insane? You managed to get fire approved, and now you're saying humans will rule the world? Do you want to be chained in Tartarus?"
Prometheus ignored his brother's panic.
If he feared such consequences, he wouldn't have dared ask Zeus for fire in the first place.
"Epimetheus, do you know what gods have that humans lack?"
Epimetheus stared at his brother, baffled by the sudden question.
Prometheus was sounding increasingly unhinged.
"…"
As Epimetheus remained silent, glaring at him like he was mad, Prometheus responded calmly, as if expecting the reaction.
"Stop looking at me like that. I'm not crazy."
Watching the humans laugh, cooperate, and thrive, Prometheus spoke as if savoring his thoughts.
"It's deceit and trickery."
Epimetheus stared at him, too stunned to be shocked anymore.
Prometheus, unfazed by his brother's reaction, continued.
His mind had already seen everything.
***
Soon after, a meeting was held in Mecone to determine the rights and duties of the earthly races and the gods.
Led by Zeus, who had a deep interest in humans, and with Prometheus as humanity's representative, this assembly convened annually to evaluate and decide humanity's fate.
Prometheus, as the spokesperson for humans, spoke first.
"King of the Gods, Zeus, please establish clearly what offerings humans should present."
The agenda of the Mecone meeting was offerings.
Humans were obligated to make sacrifices to the gods, but each god demanded different tributes, causing confusion.
Thus, Prometheus stepped forward to request that Zeus designate a universal offering for humans to present annually.
Zeus, readily accepting the proposal, gathered the gods for the meeting in Mecone.
"Zeus, here are the offerings humans have prepared," Prometheus announced.
At his suggestion, the humans had gathered three types of offerings:
The first was a pile of animal bones and inedible parts.
The second consisted of vibrant, fresh cuts of meat in large portions.
The third was faded, smaller cuts of meat.
Zeus examined the offerings, a pleased expression on his face, before casting a meaningful glance at Prometheus and declaring,
"Hmm… with such sincerity from humans, how could the gods take their sustenance? I choose the pile of bones and inedible parts. Let humans offer these from now on."
As Zeus spoke, the humans began to murmur.
Noticing their reaction, Zeus gave a knowing smile, recalling a report from one of his loyal followers among the Pan species.
- "So, Prometheus plans to trick us gods?"
- "Yes, Lord Zeus, I overheard it clearly."
- "Then this proposal of his must be a trap."
- "Exactly as I heard."
- "Prometheus advised the humans to hide the nutritious, edible parts within the bone pile."
Tasked by Zeus to monitor Prometheus and the humans, a member of the Pan species had reported this scheme.
'That fool… betraying us gods for humans. Once this is over, I'll strip him of his place in Olympus.'
Satisfied with having outwitted Prometheus' deception, Zeus was smiling smugly when strange murmurs arose from the humans.
- "See? Even gods can be fooled."
- "Prometheus was right. We outsmarted the gods!"
- "Exactly. The meat in the bone pile is edible, but it's old and reeks."
Zeus realized he had been tricked.
"Prometheus!!!"
Boom!
Furious at being outmaneuvered, Zeus roared Prometheus' name but could do no more.
He had already declared his choice of the bone pile.
"Why so angry, King of the Gods? The humans are merely praising your benevolence,"
Prometheus said calmly, neither mocking nor gloating, simply stating the facts.
This composed response only enraged Zeus further.
Prometheus' demeanor—knowing yet serene—felt like a slight, undermining Zeus' authority.
Unable to remain, Zeus stormed off on a cloud, followed by the other gods, who, grasping the situation, left awkwardly one by one.
In the now-empty meeting hall, the humans, who had prostrated themselves in fear of Zeus' wrath, lifted their heads only after the gods departed, turning to Prometheus with concern.
"What were you thinking? Zeus' anger could pierce the heavens!"
"Yes, what if something happens to you, Prometheus?"
"If the other great gods act against us and you…"
The humans were deeply worried.
Having witnessed Zeus' fury up close, they began to fear they had done something unforgivable.
Prometheus looked at them with affection, planting his staff firmly in the ground.
"Hardships will soon befall you. Zeus will seek to destroy you."
Eek!
"I know your fears. But heed this: if you choose to be slaves to the gods, you'll face even greater trials and suffering."
The humans fell silent at his heavy words.
Though they didn't fully understand, they sensed their creator and prophet would soon be gone.
Understanding their silence, Prometheus took their hands one by one, offering his final advice as a prophet and father.
"Honor the gods. Offer sacrifices and revere them. Present fine offerings to the great gods. Let today's events be a lesson. I've shown you what's necessary, but do not grow arrogant. Arrogance will be your downfall."
Prometheus had taught humans deceit and trickery—not to mock the gods, but as a tool for survival.
He knew that one day, a god among Zeus' children would master deception and trickery.
If humans could endure until that god emerged, Zeus would have no choice but to acknowledge them.
His intention wasn't to insult or defy the gods but to give humans the minimal weapon of deceit to protect themselves.
The only variable was the sea's chief god.
"May storms, tsunamis, and earthquakes spare them…"
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