The Eternal Loopers: A Mythical Journey. Chapter 2: Prometheus — The Gift of Fire: Defying Fate and the Eternal Struggle

I am Prometheus. The bringer of fire. The one who defied the gods and gave humanity the light of knowledge. My story, however, is not just about fire. It is about rebellion, sacrifice, and, yes, eternal suffering. I gave them fire, and for that, I was chained to a rock where an eagle comes daily to feast on my liver. Every night, it grows back, and every day, the eagle comes again.

But what does it all mean?

I often wonder about the meaning of sacrifice. We hear a lot about "self-sacrifice" as a noble thing, but nobody ever mentions the part where it actually sucks. There’s nothing glamorous about being chained up while your liver regenerates just to be eaten again. If anything, it’s a bit... redundant.

But there’s something about it. A strange kind of acceptance. I gave them fire, and in a way, it’s not just about the gift, but what it represents: the beacon of rebellion, the pursuit of knowledge, the challenge of fate, and the defiance of an unjust system. And when I think about it, I feel like the fire I gave them is what keeps me burning—metaphorically and literally. It’s the idea of progress. It’s the idea that, even in eternal punishment, one can find a deeper meaning.

What happens next? Who knows? The eagle will come again tomorrow, and I will endure. But it’s not just about the pain. It's about the purpose. And in this endless loop of suffering, I have learned something crucial: my punishment isn’t just about paying for my rebellion, it’s about the fire I lit inside humanity. The flame continues to burn even if I’m stuck here forever.

The heroes, those who share this cursed eternity with me, have a different approach to their own punishments. Sisyphus—he rolls his boulder up that hill, smiling all the way. Perhaps, for him, the act of doing something—no matter how futile—is enough. Tantalus, forever reaching for the fruit, perhaps has his own brand of desire. Ishtar, with her wisdom, teaches me that beauty and suffering often walk hand in hand.

As for me? Well, I can’t say I’m as calm as Sisyphus or as wise as Ishtar, but one thing is certain: I don’t regret giving fire to humanity. Sure, I got punished for it. But I wouldn’t trade my rebellion for anything. Without it, what would I be? Just another god, sitting on a throne, indifferent to the suffering of mortals. But now? Now, I am part of something much bigger.

I may never break free from this eternal cycle. I may never escape the eagle. But at least I know this: there is no such thing as freedom without sacrifice. And no matter how many times I am reborn, there will always be fire in my heart.

(P.S. If anyone wants to send me a better liver, feel free to drop it by.)