The Creation [Greek Mythology]

 

There was a time, so the Greek people in their beautiful legendary lore tell us,‘when the earth, and the sea, and the sky, all one chaotic mass, struggled together, and clashed the one against the other; so that there was neither solid earth, nor clear water, nor was the air transparent.

But the air, in time, rose lightly above the chaotic mass; the earth sank heavily below, and the seething waters, now quiet and firm and still, buoyed up the earth.

Then arose the hills and mountains, by which the valleys were made in which the lakes lay and the rivers flowed. The trees and ferns grew by the still water’s edge, and the stars shone through the clear cold air.

To the gods Prometheus and Epimetheus was given the task of filling the waters with fish, the forests with animals, and the plains with a. creature; who should be above all these, and\ which, should be called man.

To all of these, the brothers gave some gift; to one strength, to another speed, to another sagacity; to one fins, to another' claws; to another wings, and to another shelly covering, all of which gifts were to help these birds and fish and animals to provide for their own wants, and to protect themselves from their foes.

But, alas, when man came there was no gift for him ; all had been given to the birds and fishes and animals. There he stood, with neither wings or fins ; and with neither speed nor sagacity above many an animal of the forest.

“What shall be done for him?” asked Prometheus. “He is less provided for and less protected than any bird or fish or animal; he has neither fins nor wings, fur nor feathers; neither great strength nor speed. Greatly do I fear he will be a prey to the larger animals that now are browsing on the plains.”

For a long time Prometheus and Epimetheus pondered and were sad at heart; for they loved the earth and its creations, and had sought to give each his share of gifts.

At last, Minerva, the goddess of wisdom, spoke and said; “To bring down fire from the heavens, and to teach man its use and power, would be to endow him with that which may overcome even the elements themselves.”

“Though it destroy me, I will bring it to these helpless people,” Prometheus said; and away he sped upon his errand.

From the chariot of the sun he lighted his torch, and slowly and carefully descended with it to the earth; and together the brothers taught the people its uses and its power.

With it, the wild beasts were kept at bay; with it irons for weapons were made; food was cooked; and their rude huts were made warm and comfortable when the biting cold descended upon the plains.