普罗米修斯盗火神话及其文化意蕴

Fire Stealing Myth of Prometheus and its Cultural Connotation

普罗米修斯盗火虽然属于英雄神话,但又有别于一般的英雄神话,因为其中蕴含着非同寻常丰富的文化意义。首先,普罗米修斯盗火神话,为我们解读文明起源提供了珍贵的启示和线索,这就是文明起源于火,人类文明的黎明是在火的催生下诞生的。其次,普罗米修斯本身就是人类文明进步的代表和象征,是主持正义、献身理想、反抗暴虐的化身,是敢于抗拒强暴,宁死不屈,不惜牺牲一切的英雄形象。再次,普罗米修斯集受难者、殉道者和智慧者、思想者于一身,他所担当的是人类从精神到肉体的全部苦难。

Though the story about Prometheus＇fire stealing is a heroic myth,it is different from ordinary myths,for it contains extraordinary abundant cultural connotation.Firstly,the myth offers us precious inspiration and clues for our interpretation about civilization origin,that is,civilization originates from fire and the dawn of human civilization is catalyzed by fire.Secondly,Prometheus himself is the representative and symbol of human civilization and development.He is the symbol of justice,ideal and the fight against tyranny and is a hero,who dares to fight against violence and who would rather die than surrender and would sacrifice everything.Last but not least,he is also a victim,a martyr,and a wise man.What he embodies is all the sufferings of human beings in flesh and spirit.