So I was browsing artwork for my next assignment. I guess I never really thought ahead about what I was looking for in the artwork. It was probably something along the lines of studying the depictions of Gods progress through history (but that was boring). So on to a great comic strip full of corny comebacks and a predictable storyline!
PROMETHEUS!
The story of Prometheus: Brother of Atlas, Prometheus fought on Zeus' side in the war against Cronus. Prometheus was witty and challenged Zeus with his trickery. In the trick at Mecone, Prometheus tricked Zeus by placing two meals in front of him; One was an ox's stomach filled with beef, and the other a bunch of bones covered with appetizing fat. Zeus chose to eat the bones, convinced that it was the better of the two (but oh how he was wrong), and in effect, mortals would henceforth eat the meat and burn the bones in sacrifice to the gods. This made Zeus furious, so in an act of spite he hid fire from mankind.
Being the trickster he was, Prometheus stole the fire from Zeus' lightning. He hid it in a fennel stalk and gave it mankind. As a form of punishment, Zeus had Prometheus tied to a rock where every morning an eagle would come to pick his liver out. Every night, due to his immortality, his liver would regenerate at the rate the eagle ate it. And so came Prometheus!
*SPOILER*--- Pandora was sent to Prometheus' brother bearing a "gift" as an act of retribution. This "gift" was a mysterious box that, upon opening, released the evils of mankind (hate, disease, famine, etc.). Prometheus is eventually released from his punishment when he tells Zeus of his premonition that Thetis (who Zeus was pursuing) would bear a son (Achilles) stronger than his father (in effect, a mortal).
Why this is funny (to me at least) if not corny: Prometheus' facial expressions are exaggerated and express exhaustion, and the eagle is hilariously evil looking. But the kicker comes when Prometheus mentions dinner conversation like they were a married couple, and then the eagle starts a terrible joke. Reminds me of those pompous visitors we are always forced to entertain at dinner to get what we want. It's funny to think that anything could be worse than having your liver picked out. Sadistic humor.
Why this is funny: First off, this cartoon is categorized under "uncaring S.O.B." And this guy randomly shows up every once and awhile to torture Prometheus even more. Sadism! I love his character because he is the typical beer-bellied middle-aged bald guy who thinks (knows!) he's better than Prometheus. And then of course he goes out of his way to make bird turd fall on Prometheus' face. And it's funny because Prometheus' life stinks!
Why this is funny: Prometheus' entire family hates him. His son is calling him a failure. I don't know why this is funny. Maybe it isn't. But I like making fun of Prometheus, the world's scape goat!
Why this is funny: Categorized under "The Plans" category. Basically everyone pretends to help Prometheus through weird ways, such as signing petitions and using various forms of hypnotism. All which only make his situation worse. Now that his brain is gone, the eagle cannot help but insult Prometheus' intelligence. That eagle just tickles me.
Final thoughts--
I don't know why I like this stupid comic strip, and sorry for the lame analysis. If I had one criticism of this comic strip it would be that Prometheus is no longer witty, and no one understands that he brought us fire! Which I guess is all part of the humor. Poor Prometheus. But, yeah, he is the scapegoat for humanity.
