Explanation of the tradition behind Prometheus in Greek mythology

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This article contains major story spoilers for Hades 2.



Hades 2 got its first major update, which added several boss fights, two Olympians, a new region, thousands of lines of fresh dialogue, more graphics and some incredible music with a full orchestra. One of the highlights of Hades 2The update is the last major boss fight added to Olympus: Prometheus, the Titan of Foresight.


In Greek mythology, Prometheus is a figure largely associated with mortals. His role in stealing fire from Olympus and giving it to mortals, along with his subsequent punishment, is one of the most enduring stories in Greek mythology and is narratively associated with the terrible consequences of overcoming it. Supergiant Games introduces Prometheus Hades 2 introduces a compelling conflict for Melinoe, as Prometheus brings into focus the morality of the gods, the value of mortals, and questions her role in the war, as he calls her “the agent of change.”


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Prometheus in ancient Greek myths

Prometheus is an important figure in Greek mythology and is a Titan rather than one of the Olympian gods. Prometheus plays a vital role in the creation myth of humans, where he molded them from clay and granted them life. However, he is best known for deceiving the Olympians when he stole fire from Olympus and gifted it to humanity, and with it, the knowledge of technology and civilization. As punishment for this crime, Zeus chained Prometheus to a mountain and sent an eagle every day to eat his liver, which would regrow overnight in an endless cycle.


To balance the new gains that humanity had received from Prometheus, Zeus created Pandora, the first woman, and sent her to mortals with a jar filled with countless plagues and disasters. Once he reached mortals, he opened the can and unleashed these disasters upon the world, ending humanity's Golden Age.

The role of Prometheus in Hades 2

Second Hades 2According to tradition, Prometheus fought alongside the Olympian gods in the original war against Chronos. However, he has now changed sides and fights for Chronos. He has not outright stated his reasons for doing so, nor has he stated his goals, but other characters have concluded that he may do so for revenge, to support the mortals he created, or to support Chronos as a fellow Titan.


Another reason he may support Chronos is his ability to see results, as he may have predicted that Chronos will win the war. However, it is implied that Prometheus' motivations are more complicated than other characters conclude. He calls Melinoe an “agent of change,” with the implication that his role in the war is larger than he realizes. The role of Prometheus in Hades 2 it could be to shift the status quo and challenge Melinoe's perspective on her role in the war.

Prometheus' combat design and mechanics

Story connotations aside, Prometheus' design and gameplay mechanics pay homage to its myth. He is allied with the eagle that once tormented him, as it helps him in battle. He wears a falconer's glove on one arm to facilitate this, and has a bandage wrapped around his torso in reference to his years spent in torment. In battle, Prometheus controls multicolored flames. His role as the Titan of Foresight is represented in his boss fight, with his targeting predicting Melinoe's movements as she performs them and a mini memory game integrated into the fight itself.


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