# Prometheus — The Birds character guide

> Prometheus in The Birds by Aristophanes.

**Role:** supporting

**First appearance:** 0002-the-birds

## Snapshot

The titan who stole fire and still can't stop helping humans, sneaking Pisthetaerus inside information about the gods' weakness.

## Who they are

Prometheus comes to Cloudcuckooland muffled under a cloak, terrified of Zeus catching him in yet another act of unauthorized generosity to mortals. He has been the friend of humankind since he stole fire, and he remains one here: he tips Pisthetaerus off about the gods' desperation and how to press his advantage. His furtive, comic cowardice—peeking over his shoulder for Zeus—makes him both a plot device and a running joke about the cost of helping people. He gives the birds' rebellion its inside track.

## Relationships

### [Pisthetaerus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_birds_se/characters/pisthetaerus)

_friendship_

Prometheus secretly aids Pisthetaerus, sharing insider knowledge about the gods' weaknesses, acting as a covert ally.

### [Zeus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_birds_se/characters/zeus)

_rivalry_

Prometheus is a secret enemy of Zeus, having been punished by him, and thus aids Pisthetaerus to undermine Zeus's rule.

### [Pisthetaerus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_birds_se/characters/pisthetaerus)

_friendship_

Prometheus secretly aids Pisthetaerus, sharing insider knowledge about the gods' weaknesses, acting as a covert ally.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_birds_se/characters/prometheus
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_birds_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_birds_se/characters