The Titans were a race of really quite powerful deities (not giants, as commonly believed, thanks to the word 'titanic') who were supposed to have ruled before the time of the Olympians (Zeus and Aphrodite and the rest of their posse). Prometheus, a son of one of the twelve main Titans, was a rather clever, crafty fellow who became known for stealing fire from Zeus and giving it to the mortals. In other words, he was a bit of a trickster.
fig. 1. Prometheus, wearing a somewhat compromising robe.
Naturally, this made Zeus angry, and this led to a whole series of events such as Zeus sending man the worst thing possible (yes, it was actually the first woman, Pandora, made 'to be an evil to mortal men, with a nature to do evil'...I resent that). And, of course, Prometheus is chained to a rock in the Caucasus where he gets his liver eaten daily by an eagle/vulture. The liver being the only organ in your body that can regenerate itself completely (I think. I should check my lecture notes...).
fig. 2. Prometheus and the eagle. This picture is G-rated, if you have a clean mind.
Mostly, Prometheus is known for his wily intelligence, and his bravery, and rebelliousness. Well, at least, that's what stands out to me. And I've realised: there is something about the trickster archetype that intrigues me (or us? Can I speak for everyone in general?). The person who breaks the rules, who doesn't care what other people think, who may even use their intellect (or other talents) to manipulate others, is fascinating to us. The non-conformist. The hero who steals from the rich and gives to the poor (*hums Robin Hood theme music*). It makes me wonder--what is it about us that makes us so drawn to the whole concept of rebelling?
Humans need rules, structure and routine, or else we would go insane. But there is something tantalising about not following procedure that makes it seem so much more appealing than staying in line. (Otherwise, why would anyone struggle with sin?)
Movies appeal to us because they have heroes who defy societal boundaries to fight for justice/save lives/go on wild car chases that end in glorious explosions. If someone says don't touch we say why not. Rebels are more intriguing than followers. And sadly, procrastination is so, so much more appealing than studying.
And that note brings me abruptly to the end of my spiel. Exams on Monday, and Tuesday, and unfortunately neither one has anything to do with Prometheus =D
3 comments:
Hello, this is Tash. I'm actually not stalking you through various sites, just taking a break from drawing. Please don't be creeped out~~ Your blog entries are very interesting to read though.
Trickster gods are really fascinating. I think the interesting-ness of rebelling in kind of inbuilt into our sense of individuality: even though we can't live on our own, there is something inside us that wants exactly this -- it wants to be the rule-maker, to not owe allegiance to anyone and to be able to construct our own sense of morality (Robin Hood).
But I think also there is something interesting about followers, who are willing to serve a higher purpose even if those around them think they're crazy: the writer who writes despite numerous rejections, or the missionary who goes into Triad territory to convert gangsters. This is the other end of the spectrum; it's rebellion against social norms without chaos as the ultimate aim. However it seems that after September 11 radical followers are out and rebels are in?
Hmm. Interesting entry. Good luck for exams you :P
I can't figure out any other way to reply your post, so hopefully you revisit my blog and happen to take a look at your comment.
Firstly:
=D
Really, it's OK! Being stalked is very flattering. Heh heh...
Secondly:
I think I was trying to describe the second type of rebel: your radical followers. Except perhaps without the service to a higher power, and more of passionately following an ideal (a personal sense of justice? How dangerous...). So it was possibly a messy mix of the two types you described. I think both have qualities of bravery and individuality that are admirable (I'm not talking about terrorists here). But I suppose with that you have to be careful of relative morality--an easy trap, I think, what with new-age 'truth is different for each person' mentality...
=]
Your comment was a really lovely surprise.
BY THE WAY!
I informed several people of the rowville-sheep-story you regaled me with on the train (and consequently had me laughing for a full ten minutes). They were similarly amazed by this phenomenon and are now most interested in visiting rowville (exaggerating a little). So if you ever find out the address of the famous house, do tell me! :D
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