The 20-foot half-ton polished bronze sculpture gracing the north entrance to the library represents the Greek god descending to the earth with cupped hands holding the fire of knowledge.
Greek mythology records that Prometheus and his brother, Epimetheus, were assigned the task of giving power to the animals of Earth. But having no gift for man, Prometheus took pity on humanity, stole the fire of knowledge from the gods of Olympus and brought it to Earth. When Zeus, king of the gods, discovered the theft, he chained Prometheus to Mt. Caucasus for thousands of years. An eagle tore at his immortal body by day, yet Prometheus healed every night. Prometheus was freed when Hercules killed the vulture and broke the chains.
According to legend, Prometheus is said to have provided humanity with the flame of arts and knowledge. Thoroughout history, this legend has stood as a symbol against ignorance and injustice.
The fire in Prometheus's hands is composed of letters of ancient alphabets - Greek, Roman, Hebrew, Egyptian, Chinese, Sanskrit and American Indian alphabets.
The statue was presented to the residents of Natrona County at formal dedication ceremonies in February, 1975, by a group of individual and corporate donors.
