In Greek mythology, Prometheus is the one who steals fire from heaven and gives it back to the world. Humans are said to have possessed fire initially, but the Greek myth tells us that Zeus, the king of gods had hidden it from people when he was insulted by them.
This is an interesting story. Prometheus presents Zeus two sacrificial offerings to choose: a carcass of an ox stuffed with all beef and collection of bull’s bones smeared with fat. But Zeus mistakenly chooses bones. And that’s why humans started the trend of burning bones mixed with fat as an offering to gods while humans enjoy the meat. Zeus feels insulted; so, he hides fire altogether. And this is when Prometheus comes into picture.
As a punishment, Zeus binds Prometheus onto a rock where an eagle is said to be eating his liver, which grows again only to be eaten the next day, and so on. Poor Prometheus!
These days from the archery ground to swimming pool to taxi-parking to offices, people are talking about the latest development – the government’s proposed plan to increase vehicle tax from just 15% to 35% for light vehicles, 27% for taxis and 20% for two wheelers.
This comes as a serious blow to hundreds of people in the country aspiring to buy cars in the coming years. Let’s admit cars have become necessity just like mobile phones. And if the proposal is endorsed by the cabinet; many of us will have to abandon the idea of buying cars. Cheap cars will become expensive for many – all in a move to curb traffic congestion? Will our senior civil servants and MPs voice our concerns? At least for them they have this quota system to their rescue.
Obviously rich people would still afford to import expensive cars while poor section of our society would be ripped oftheir privilege even to ride a scooter. So, much like the fire story, right? But I wonder who would brave to be our Prometheus – our own Bhutanese Prometheus!
Hey Man,
ReplyDeleteReally good one!
So planning to buy new car. Do not forget me to take for a ride mey.
Yes, i am enjoying my course here at denmark which is for almost two months.
Nice point there.
ReplyDeleteI did hear about Prometheus stealing fire from the gods but didn't know the full story. Glad you narrated it here. But I did hear something extra which I guess you might have as well.
Anyways, as the name suggests Prometheus was supposed to be a smart chap because he always thought of things before doing things, unlike his brother Epimetheus who, as his name suggests yet again, thought only after doing things.
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Since Prometheus had stolen fire from the gods and given it to men the gods wanted to punish him and the world by bringing chaos and disaster. Hence they set down the Pandora's box and asked Prometheus to open it. Such a smart man he was, he didn't. So the gods went to Epimetheus and lo, without a second thought he opened the pox and hence problems are what we have now.
So we might have to look for someone to put everything back into the box and close it and then return it to it's orignial realm. Otherwise, even Altos could be a distant dream for people like me.
by the way, Youngten Lempem Tharchen... I am in Denmark too. Copenhagen to be precise. It would be nice to meet you. So if you could call me at 28360588 (mobile) or 32886745 (fix), it wud be nice to chat to a bhutanese.
I am not good in Greek mythology but not so bad as not to understand what penstar is trying to say. I don't know if there are people worse than me seated at the top... what ever the explanation here is simple and should be understood.
ReplyDeleteThis time the god themselves should give the fire back, for any Prometheus won't be foolish enough to steal fire after what he lost in the myth- his liver...
Hey Tharchen, nice to hear from you and I am glad you are having fun although I was never informed about your trip to Denmark. But about buying the car - let's wait and see if our Prometheus comes to our rescue.
ReplyDeleteTongyal, thank you so much for the connecting myth - it was aptly narrated and well supplements my points. Hopefully, Pandora's Box may be closed even before it is opened.
PaSsu, thanks. You're right, the 'gods' themselves might have to return it this time otherwise our chances of buying even a scooter is dim.