Greek Myths XS: Prometheus' Prank for the Gods

When the ever-so-awesome Prometheus had stolen back the fire, taken away by the gods, he was sentenced to be chained on a rock for an eternity of torture. That seems like a harsh punishment, but it was his fault that Zeus had hidden the fire in the first place. Under the pretext of bettering the relationship between humans and gods, he had come up with a devious plan, known as “the trick at Mekone”. He had promised the gods to sacrifice a bull to them, and he had roasted it with lots of pump and circumstance. The delicious smells had reached the Olympos, where Zeus was looking foward to the treat. But Prometheus had destined the best part of the bull for his beloved little people. He had made two piles, one with the meat, hidden under the intestines, and one with the bones, dressed up with shining fat. Zeus of course chose the fat, and found only bones underneath. He had only himself to blame. The practice never changed: the meat for the people, the scent for the gods. Not to be sniffed at!

Two bulls, amphora, British Museum, London, UK

Prometheus, Nicolas-Sébastien Adam, Musée du Louvre, Paris, France