Concealed Kindness – an Empathetic Approach
A cursory analysis of divinity in Theogony and Genesis may lead one to assume that the gods were petty and vindictive towards humans. While their divine powers are daunting, the intent to which these powers are exercised are civil and just. Consideration for the motives, actions, and divine characteristics of Zeus, Prometheus, and the God of Genesis will accentuate their specific kindness, their refrainment from punishment whenever possible, and their strong sense of justice – all of which are indicative of a kind and caring attitude toward humanity. First and foremost, the specific kindness these gods express must be understood One key example of this is Prometheus and his trick on Zeus at Mecone. …show more content…
When Zeus hides fire from mankind as a result of Prometheus’ trick at Mecone (Theogony 565 – 566), it is easy to label him as petty and vindictive. Prometheus was the sole mastermind behind the trick, yet Zeus deems humans guilty by association, a logical fallacy indicative of petty vengeance. Hesiod tells us, however, that Zeus knew exactly what Prometheus had done, yet he decided to pick up the gleaming fat (Theogony 555). If Zeus was truly petty and vindictive, he would have chosen the proper pile, and he would have taken fire away afterwards. This would be the ultimate form of malevolence as it would show humanity the extent of Zeus’ power. If his intent was to be vindictive, we would expect Zeus to punish humanity in both ways. Instead, he allows humans to keep the flesh and sacrifice the bones. Zeus withholds his punishment towards humanity in this scenario. The almighty ruler of the gods is not seen as very kind, to anyone, let alone humanity. At least he appears this way based on our sense of kindness. But through this act of mercy, he demonstrates kindness in his own