Page 43 - English Expedition Class 4

However, Prometheus’ people could not breathe. Zeus sent him to Eolus, the god
of the winds, for help. Eolus sent his strong son North Wind back with Prometheus.
When North Wind saw the people of clay, he whistled with surprise. He blew his
breath upon them and they began to breathe.

The people of clay were cold and Prometheus did not like that. He went to Eolus
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again, and this time, South Wind and the zephyrs came with him. South Wind brought
with him green grass and flowers and birds. The zephyrs showed them how to laugh
and cry and sing and dance.

However, the people lived in dark
caves. Prometheus realized that there
was only one thing which could help
them. That was fire. Fire was the most

precious thing Zeus had and he kept it
ever burning around his throne. When
Prometheus asked for fire, Zeus was
angry. ‘I have already given too much

to your people,’ he said. ‘Let them help
themselves now.’
Prometheus was sad indeed. He
loved his people more than he loved

himself. At last he said, ‘They shall
have the fire. I will pay for it with my
life.’ He went straight to Zeus’ throne,
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filled a ferule with fire and carried it
to his people. Then his people became
wise.
Prometheus taught them to cook
and to build houses and to sail their

ships upon the ocean. He showed
them how to get rich ores from the mountains and prepare them for use. They learnt
how to plough and to reap and to store their food for the winter.
When Zeus saw that Prometheus had stolen fire, he was angry. As punishment, Zeus

chained Prometheus to a rock on the top of a high mountain. He sent a great bird to
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torment him each day. He wanted Prometheus to stay there until he repented and
returned the fire to heaven.

3 zephyr: a soft gentle breeze; Zephyr is the Greek God 4 ferule: a fl at piece of wood, such as a ruler
of West Wind, which is considered to be the gentlest 5 torment: cause immense physical pain and suff ering
wind
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