Prometheus Bound

KRATOS: We've now journeyed to a remote part of the earth—the Scythian wilderness, an untrodden wasteland. Now, Hephaestus, you must carry out the task our father assigned: shackle this wrongdoer to the jagged rocks with unbreakable, adamantine chains. He stole your precious fire, the source of all forging, and gave it to mortals—a⁠a grave offense for which the gods demand justice. Let him learn to endure Zeus's rule and stop his favoritism toward humans. HEPHAESTUS: Kratos and Bia, Zeus's command is fulfilled for you; you have nothing more to do. But to forcibly bind a fellow god in chains in this stormy abyss—I lack the courage. Yet I must find strength from necessity,⁠b for woe to anyone who disobeys the Father's word. Noble son of wise counsel, with a heavy heart, I must burden you with these brass bonds, difficult to undo, nailing you to this cliff where no one lives, where no human voice or figure will visit you. The sun's blaze will scorch your flesh; your fair skin will change. Night will be welcome when it hides the light of day; the returning sun will disperse the morning frost. Every hour will bring new pain to wear you down; for the one who will free you hasn't been born yet. This is your reward for loving humanity. Being a god, you defied the gods' anger, preferring humans over divine honor. Therefore, your vigil on this rock will be joyless, never able to close an eye or bend a knee. Your cries and laments will be in vain, for Zeus is hard to persuade; new power is always merciless. KRATOS: Enough! Why hesitate? Why waste pity? Isn't the god whom the gods hate also hateful to you? A traitor to the gods and to your own status? HEPHAESTUS: Kinship and friendship are heavy burdens. KRATOS: Maybe so, but to defy the Father's command—isn't that more dangerous? HEPHAESTUS: Your heart has always been hard and bold. KRATOS: But lamenting won't help him! Don't waste effort where it does no good. HEPHAESTUS: Oh, detestable task! Oh, my craft! KRATOS: Why curse your trade? For what you have to do, your smithing skills aren't to blame. HEPHAESTUS: I wish someone else's hands had this craft, not mine! KRATOS: Indeed, everything is a burden except ruling over the gods; only Zeus is truly free. HEPHAESTUS: I can't deny that; it's true. KRATOS: Then hurry and bind him, lest the Father's eye sees you dawdling. HEPHAESTUS: Here are the iron cuffs for his arms. KRATOS: Fasten them tightly! Strike with your hammer! Nail him to the rocks! HEPHAESTUS: It's done—and I wish it weren't done so well! KRATOS: Harder, I say—tighten everything! Don't be careless, for someone as cunning as him can turn restraints into freedom. HEPHAESTUS: This arm is secured—a shackle hard to remove. KRATOS: Now secure this one—do it neatly! Let him learn that, clever as he is, he's no match for Zeus. HEPHAESTUS: No one can fault this—except the one it's torturing. KRATOS: Now take your spike and drive it in until it pierces through his chest. HEPHAESTUS: Woe is me, Prometheus, for your terrible fate! KRATOS: Still hesitating? Still groaning for Zeus's enemies? Soon you'll lament your own troubles. HEPHAESTUS: You see what even eyes can hardly bear to witness! KRATOS: I see him getting what he deserves! Now wrap a band around his ribs. HEPHAESTUS: I'm doing what I must; as for you, less talking! KRATOS: 'Talking,' you say? Yes, and I'll shout if needed. Now, go down and secure his legs. HEPHAESTUS: It's done neatly and quickly. KRATOS: Now give a solid hit and secure the pins! Your taskmaster is not gentle. HEPHAESTUS: Such harsh words suit a harsh face. KRATOS: You might have a soft heart, but don't blame me for being tough and firm. HEPHAESTUS: Oh, let's go! The work is done. KRATOS: Now, as you hang there, insult away! Steal from the gods to help mortals! What reward will they give you for your suffering? You'll need someone clever to help you escape from this well-made trap. Exeunt. PROMETHEUS: O divine air, swift-winged winds, rivers, and the endless laughter of ocean waves, Mother Earth! And you, all-seeing sun, witness what I, a god, endure from the gods! Look upon my shame, the cruel wrong that tortures me, the relentless pain that will waste my strength until countless years have passed! He—the new ruler who reigns as chief—has devised these chains. Ah me! I lament my present and future woes and ask the vast skies when my deliverance will come. And yet—I know exactly what will happen; no unexpected pain will surprise me. What's destined, I must endure, knowing that Necessity's power is unbeatable. But whether I speak or stay silent about my fate, it's unbearable. For the gifts I gave to humans, I'm punished like this. I discovered fire hidden in a reed and brought it to humanity—a limitless resource, a teacher of many arts. This is my crime, for which I'm nailed here, chained beneath the open sky. Ha! What's that echo, that scent without sound? Is it godly or mortal? Who comes to this remote place to witness my torment? What do they want? See a god in chains and pain, the enemy of Zeus, at odds with all who submit to the tyrant's rule—my crime was loving humanity too much. Ah me! What's that sound nearby, like great wings beating? I hear the air whistling with swift wingbeats. Nothing approaches that doesn't bring me fear. The DAUGHTERS OF OCEANUS approach in their winged chariot. CHORUS: Put aside all fear! We're here in kindness, flying swiftly to this lonely mountain. Our father reluctantly gave his consent. A fresh breeze brought us, for the clanging of your chains reached our sea-cave and drove away our shyness. We didn't even stop to tie our sandals; we rushed here, flying through the air. PROMETHEUS: Ah me! Beautiful daughters born of Tethys and Ocean, whose endless stream circles the earth, look upon me! See how I'm bound here on this high rock, my prison and my sorrowful watchtower, where over the abyss my weary soul keeps its endless vigil! CHORUS: Prometheus, we see you now! Fear chills us, tears fill our eyes as we behold your giant form, withering on these cruel rocks, bound in shameful chains of unbreakable steel. New rulers now command Olympus; Zeus enforces strange new laws, overthrowing the mighty ones of old. PROMETHEUS: If only he had thrown me beneath the earth, into the endless depths of Tartarus, bound me with unbreakable chains! There, his anger could have tormented me without mockery from gods or anyone else. But now, displayed for all to see, my enemies gloat over my suffering. CHORUS: Which god is so heartless as to rejoice in your distress? Who doesn't sympathize with your pain, except Zeus? He's always angry and unyielding, determined to subdue the old gods. He won't stop until he's satisfied, unless someone finds a way to overthrow him. PROMETHEUS: Yes, even though he wrongs me, binding me in these chains, the leader of the gods will still need me to reveal the secret threat that will topple his throne. No sweet words or flattery will persuade me to reveal it, nor will threats or greater pains make me speak, until he frees me and compensates me for this injustice. CHORUS: You have a proud heart, unbroken by your suffering, and you speak too freely. Fear grips my soul! I worry about your fate. I tremble at the thought of when you'll return to safety, for Zeus isn't swayed by prayers; he's unyielding. PROMETHEUS: I know Zeus's heart is hard, and he holds Justice close. But he'll eventually soften, and his fierce anger will fade. Then, neither he nor I will refuse to make peace. CHORUS: Please, tell us everything—why did Zeus punish you so harshly? Explain, if it doesn't pain you to speak. PROMETHEUS: It's painful to tell, but staying silent is also painful—either way, it's misery. When the gods were divided—some wanting to overthrow Cronos in favor of Zeus, others opposing—it was then that I tried to advise the Titans, sons of Uranus and Earth. But they scorned my counsel, thinking they could seize power by force. I knew that cunning, not strength, was needed. My mother Themis and Earth (one being with many names) had foretold this. Ignored, I chose to side with Zeus, helping him establish his rule. But now, he repays my help with this cruel punishment. It's common for tyrants to distrust their friends. As for why he punishes me now—you asked, and I'll tell you. After he took his throne, he assigned various honors to the gods but ignored humanity, intending to destroy them and create a new race. No one opposed him except me. I dared to save humans from destruction, and now I'm tortured for it. Was this deserved? No—I suffer in spite of my kindness to mankind. CHORUS: He has a heart of stone, unfeeling as rock, this Zeus who isn't moved by your suffering. I wish I'd never seen this; it tears at my heart. PROMETHEUS: Yes, I am a pitiable sight to my friends. CHORUS: Did you commit any other offense? PROMETHEUS: I prevented humans from foreseeing their deaths. CHORUS: What remedy did you find for that? PROMETHEUS: I placed blind hope in their hearts. CHORUS: A great gift you gave to humanity. PROMETHEUS: I also gave them fire. CHORUS: Do mortals now possess bright-burning fire? PROMETHEUS: Yes, and they'll learn many arts because of it. CHORUS: And for these misdeeds, Zeus punishes you— PROMETHEUS: Yes, he torments me severely. CHORUS: Is there no end in sight for your suffering? PROMETHEUS: None, unless he chooses to release me. CHORUS: How could he choose that? What hope do you have? Don't you see you erred? It wouldn't help to dwell on your mistakes; instead, seek a way to escape your woes. PROMETHEUS: It's easy for the free to advise the troubled. But I know what I did. Willingly, I erred, and I accept it. By helping humanity, I ended up in chains. Still, I didn't expect such harsh punishment—to be stranded on this cliff, with only desolate rocks for company. So, don't lament my sufferings anymore. Instead, come down to earth and listen to what's yet to come. Listen and share in my plight! Who knows, perhaps a similar fate awaits others. CHORUS: Prometheus, we hear your call. Your words don't fall on deaf ears. At your request, we've left our airy path to come to this rugged land and learn firsthand what you've endured and must still endure. While the winged chariot of the OCEANIDES lands, their father OCEANUS arrives, riding a mythical creature. OCEANUS: I've crossed the vast expanse to reach you, Prometheus, guiding this winged beast without reins or bit, controlled only by my mind. Know that I feel deep sorrow for your plight; our kinship compels me. There's no one I honor more than you, aside from family ties. You'll see that I speak truthfully. Show me how I can help you, and you'll never say you had a better friend than Oceanus. PROMETHEUS: What brings you here? Have you come to witness my suffering? How could you leave your river, your rocky caves, to visit this harsh land where iron is born? Have you come to see my misery and share in my woes? Behold, the friend of Zeus, now punished severely! OCEANUS: Prometheus, I see clearly what you're enduring, and I wish to advise you, though you're wise. Adapt to the times; as things change, so should you. A new ruler holds power now. If you keep speaking these bitter, defiant words, Zeus—though far above—might hear, and your current suffering could become much worse. Please, restrain your anger and seek relief. My words might seem old-fashioned, but excessive pride brings punishment. You're not yet humbled by suffering and might invite more. Let me guide you: don't resist unnecessarily, especially against a ruler who fears no accountability. I'll leave now to try and help free you. Keep calm and don't speak too harshly. Surely you know that reckless speech brings trouble. PROMETHEUS: I'm surprised you're not in my situation, considering you sided with me. But please, don't trouble yourself. You won't sway Zeus; he's not easily moved. Be careful not to get into trouble yourself. OCEANUS: You're better at advising others than yourself. I judge by actions, not words. Don't hold me back; I'm determined to go. I swear Zeus will grant my request and free you. PROMETHEUS: I thank you and will always praise you. You're a true friend. But don't strain yourself; your efforts won't help me. Stay safe yourself. I wouldn't want others to suffer because of me. I already feel the weight of Atlas's burden, my brother who holds up the heavens—a heavy load. I saw and pitied Typhon, the hundred-headed monster who challenged the gods and now lies defeated under Mount Etna, crushed by Zeus's thunderbolt. But you know these things; you don't need me to teach you. Save yourself, and I'll endure until Zeus's anger subsides. OCEANUS: Don't you know that words can heal an angry soul? PROMETHEUS: Yes, if spoken wisely, not harshly. OCEANUS: Do you see any harm in me trying out of goodwill? PROMETHEUS: It's a burden with little benefit. OCEANUS: Then let me bear that burden. Sometimes, those thought foolish achieve their goals. PROMETHEUS: But what if your efforts irritate me? OCEANUS: You're hitting the mark with that. PROMETHEUS: Be careful that your pity doesn't cause you trouble. OCEANUS: With the all-powerful Zeus? PROMETHEUS: Yes, beware lest you suffer for it. OCEANUS: Your misfortune has taught me, Prometheus. PROMETHEUS: Go, then! And please, don't change your mind. OCEANUS: You're urging me on when I'm eager to go. Look, my winged creature is restless, eager to fly back home. Farewell. CHORUS: We mourn for you, Prometheus, brought low, tears filling our eyes. Zeus has decreed a harsh fate for you, establishing his own laws to assert his power. A cry rises from the earth, lamenting the fall of ancient powers and majestic beings. Everyone mourns your suffering and that of your fellow gods. Those who dwell in sacred lands, the people of Asia, all grieve with you. Even the warrior maidens by the Colchian shore and the countless Scythians mourn. The tribes of Arabia and the fortified city near Mount Caucasus lament. Before, I saw only one god in such pain—Atlas, bearing the weight of the heavens. The seas roar in sympathy, and the underworld echoes with sorrow. All nature mourns with you. PROMETHEUS: Don't think I stay silent out of pride or stubbornness. My heart is torn by thoughts of the past and the present suffering inflicted on me. Who but I gave these younger gods their power? But enough of that—you know it already. Listen instead to how I helped humanity, who were like senseless beasts. I gave them reason and knowledge, not to belittle them, but to show my kindness. Before, they saw without understanding, heard without comprehension. Like fleeting dreams, they muddled through their lives. They didn't know how to build houses with bricks or wood but lived in sunless caves like ants. They didn't understand the seasons or how to interpret signs. I taught them the rising and setting of stars, mathematics—the most useful invention—and writing, the mother of the arts. I domesticated animals to help with labor and invented the chariot and the ship. All these skills I provided to humanity, yet I have no means to free myself from this torment. CHORUS: Your suffering is shameful, and your mind seems lost. Like a sick doctor, you can't heal yourself. PROMETHEUS: But listen further and marvel at the arts I devised. If anyone fell ill, they had no remedies—no medicines or treatments—and wasted away. I showed them how to mix healing potions. I taught them how to interpret dreams, signs, and the flight of birds. I explained the omens in animal entrails and guided them in understanding hidden meanings.⁠c I revealed the treasures beneath the earth—metals like bronze, iron, silver, and gold. Who can claim to have discovered these before me? In short, all human arts come from me.⁠d CHORUS: Don't go beyond measure in helping humans while you're in misery yourself. I hope that one day you'll escape these bonds and become mightier than Zeus. PROMETHEUS: Fate doesn't decree that; many pains and trials await me before I'm freed. Necessity is stronger than all. CHORUS: Who controls Necessity? PROMETHEUS: The three Fates and the relentless Furies. CHORUS: So Zeus is less powerful than they? PROMETHEUS: Yes, he cannot escape his destined fate. CHORUS: What fate awaits Zeus except eternal reign? PROMETHEUS: Don't press me with more questions. CHORUS: You shroud a deep mystery! PROMETHEUS: You may discuss anything else freely, but about this, stay silent. Keeping this secret is how I'll eventually be freed. CHORUS: May Zeus never turn his unstoppable power against me for defying him. May I never neglect offering sacrifices at his altars. May I always approach the gods with reverence across the sea. Let my words not offend the gods; may my resolve remain firm. Life is sweet when hope and joyful thoughts sustain us. But I shudder to see your suffering, Prometheus. You defied Zeus and gave too much honor to humans. For this, what thanks do you receive? Who among mortals can help you? Humans are weak and fleeting, unable to transcend the eternal order. I've learned this seeing your diminished glory. I recall singing at your wedding, celebrating your union with Hesione, your divine bride. Enter IO, appearing frantic and with horns. IO: What land is this? Who lives here? Who is that, bound on this windswept mountain? Speak to me, poor wretch—why are you punished? Where am I, exhausted and wandering? Ah! The sting of the gadfly again! O Earth, hide me from Argus, the hundred-eyed herdsman! I still see him, haunting me even after death! He drives me relentlessly along the seashore. Listen! The pipes! The reeds! Oh gods, when will my suffering end? Why am I tormented like this? What have I done to deserve this fate? Tell me, divine figure, can you reveal what's to come? How can I be freed from this misery? Speak, if you know, and tell me what I must endure as I wander the earth! PROMETHEUS: I'll tell you what you wish to know, plainly and without riddles. I'm Prometheus, who gave fire to humans. IO: Oh, helper of humanity, why are you punished? PROMETHEUS: I just stopped lamenting my own woes. IO: Will you grant me this small favor? PROMETHEUS: What is it you ask? You shall know everything. IO: Tell me who bound you here. PROMETHEUS: Zeus commanded it; Hephaestus carried it out. IO: What was your crime? PROMETHEUS: Let that suffice; you need know no more. IO: But when will my wandering end? You must tell me this. PROMETHEUS: It's better for you not to know. IO: Don't hide from me what I must suffer! PROMETHEUS: Poor girl! I don't begrudge you the knowledge. IO: Then why hesitate to tell me everything? PROMETHEUS: I'm not unkind, but I fear it will distress you. IO: Don't worry about that; knowing won't worsen my desire to know! PROMETHEUS: You're eager to learn your fate? Very well, listen. CHORUS: But first, grant me a favor. Let her tell us her story, her suffering, and then share with her what's to come. PROMETHEUS: So be it. Io, you owe these maidens this courtesy; they're your father's kin. Sharing our woes doesn't diminish us. IO: I don't know how to refuse. I'll tell you everything you wish to know, though it pains me to recall it. Visions haunted me in my sleep, whispering flattering words, urging me to accept Zeus's love and go to the meadows where my father's cattle grazed. I told my father of these dreams, and he consulted oracles, but the responses were confusing. Finally, a clear message came: I must be exiled to wander the earth, or Zeus's thunderbolt would destroy our family. Reluctantly, my father sent me away. As soon as I left, I was transformed—horns grew on my head, and a gadfly stung me, driving me mad. I wandered to Kerchneia's stream, where Argus, the hundred-eyed giant, pursued me. He was eventually slain, but I'm still tormented, driven from land to land. That's my story. If you can, tell me what I still must suffer. Don't try to comfort me with lies; I consider that the worst cruelty. CHORUS: Oh, how horrible! Is this the tale I longed to hear? Seeing such misery chills my blood. Fate has dealt you a cruel hand, Io. PROMETHEUS: You're lamenting too soon. Wait until you've heard what's yet to come. CHORUS: Please, tell us! Knowing what's ahead can be a balm to the soul. PROMETHEUS: I granted your previous request; you've heard her story. Now, Io, listen to the hardships still before you. Turn eastward, cross unplowed lands until you reach the Scythians, nomads who live in wagons. Avoid them and the savage Chalybes. You'll reach the violent Hybristes river; don't cross it until you reach the Caucasus mountains. Climb their peaks, then head south to the Amazons. They'll guide you to the Cimmerian Isthmus. Cross the Maeotis lake, which will be named Bosporus after you. Then you'll reach Asia. Do you see how Zeus torments you, first desiring you, then causing your suffering? You're not even at the worst part yet. IO: Alas! Oh! PROMETHEUS: You cry out now—what will you do when you hear the rest? IO: Why should I live? I should throw myself off this cliff and end my pain. PROMETHEUS: You'd find it hard to bear my fate; I can't even die to escape suffering until Zeus falls. IO: Will Zeus fall? Tell me how! PROMETHEUS: It would please you to see him overthrown? IO: Of course! He's the cause of all my woes. PROMETHEUS: He'll be toppled by a marriage that will bring him grief. IO: What marriage? Tell me! PROMETHEUS: I can't reveal that; it's best you don't know. IO: Will a child of mine free you? PROMETHEUS: Yes, in the thirteenth generation. IO: Your prophecy is obscure. PROMETHEUS: Don't seek to know your fate. IO: Don't offer me a gift only to take it back. PROMETHEUS: You've asked for two things; you may choose one. IO: Tell me about my future wanderings. CHORUS: And tell us who will free you. PROMETHEUS: Very well. After crossing into Asia, you'll reach the land of the Gorgons and other monsters. Beware them. Then avoid the griffins and the one-eyed Arimaspians. You'll reach the land of dark-skinned people by the sun's fountains and follow the Nile to its delta, where you'll find rest. There, Zeus will restore your mind, and you'll bear a son, Epaphus. His descendants will return to Argos. From them will come a hero who will free me. That's all you need to know. IO: Again, the torment returns! The sting, the madness! I can't control myself! Exit raving. CHORUS: I think it's wise to marry within one's own class. Let me never be loved by a god; I fear the consequences, as with Io, tormented by Hera's wrath. PROMETHEUS: I tell you, Zeus's pride will be humbled. He plans a marriage that will bring his downfall. Only I can prevent it, but only if he frees me. CHORUS: You're speaking dangerously. PROMETHEUS: I speak the truth. CHORUS: Do you not fear provoking Zeus? PROMETHEUS: What can he do? I can't die. CHORUS: He might inflict greater pain. PROMETHEUS: Let him try; I know all that's to come. CHORUS: It's wise to submit to unchangeable fate. PROMETHEUS: Go worship if you wish; I value Zeus less than nothing. Let him rule for now; his time is short. But look, here comes Hermes, Zeus's messenger. HERMES: You clever trickster, friend to humans, thief of fire! Do you hear me? The Father demands you reveal the marriage that threatens his rule. Speak plainly, don't use riddles. Don't make me come back twice. Zeus isn't moved by your defiance. PROMETHEUS: How arrogant you are, messenger of the gods! You're new to power and think it will last forever. Haven't you seen other tyrants fall? I expect to see this one fall swiftly, too. Do you think I'll cower before new gods? Go back the way you came; you won't learn anything from me. HERMES: Your stubbornness brought you here. PROMETHEUS: I wouldn't trade my suffering for your servitude. HERMES: I'd rather be a servant of Zeus than bound to this rock. PROMETHEUS: I respond to arrogance with arrogance. HERMES: You revel in your misery. PROMETHEUS: I wish my enemies felt the same. HERMES: Do you blame me for your fate? PROMETHEUS: I hate all the gods who repay kindness with cruelty. HERMES: You're clearly mad! PROMETHEUS: If hating enemies is madness, so be it. HERMES: If you were free, you'd be unbearable. PROMETHEUS: Alas! HERMES: 'Alas' is not a word Zeus knows. PROMETHEUS: Time teaches all. HERMES: But you haven't learned to control your impulses. PROMETHEUS: If I had, I wouldn't waste words on you. HERMES: So you refuse to tell what Zeus demands? PROMETHEUS: If I owed him a favor, I'd repay it fully. HERMES: You're mocking me. PROMETHEUS: Aren't you foolish to think you can get anything from me? HERMES: Think again—what good is this defiance? PROMETHEUS: I've already decided. HERMES: You're rash. At least consider your situation. PROMETHEUS: Your words are wasted. I won't beg Zeus for anything. HERMES: You're like a stubborn horse resisting the bit. But your stubbornness is pointless. If you don't obey, a terrible storm will come upon you. Zeus will shatter this cliff, burying you, and send an eagle to eat your liver daily until a god agrees to suffer in your place. This isn't empty talk; Zeus doesn't lie. CHORUS: Hermes speaks wisely. Listen to him and don't be obstinate. PROMETHEUS: I knew all this. Let Zeus unleash his worst; I won't yield. HERMES: You're mad! But you who sympathize with him, beware lest you share his fate. CHORUS: Don't urge us to betray a friend. We'll stand by him. HERMES: Then blame yourselves when disaster strikes. PROMETHEUS: The time for words is over. The earth shakes; thunder roars; lightning flashes; the winds rage; the sea and sky are in turmoil. Zeus's wrath approaches. O Mother Earth! O Sky! Witness the injustice I suffer!