Prometheus was the wisest of all the Titans. His name means "forethought" and he was able to foretell the future. He was the son of Iapetus, and grandson of Cronus. When Zeus revolted against Cronus, Prometheus deserted the other Titans and fought with Zeus.

After Zeus had defeated Cronus and all the other Titans, he assigned Prometheus and his brother Epimetheus the task of creating mankind. Having done this, Prometheus became mankind's protector and benefactor. He gave the gift of fire to man, and advised man that they should not sacrifice the best parts of animals to the gods. He tricked Zeus into not knowing the difference. When Zeus did find out about Prometheus' treachery, he punished him by having him chained to a rock. Each day, an eagle would descend upon Prometheus and eat his liver; each night, the liver would grow back. He would stay there until Prometheus would reveal the secret of which of Zeus' children would supplant him. Prometheus never told, and finally, he was rescued by Hercules.