Greek, Tamil and Sanskrit: Comparison between the Myths of Prometheus, Sembian and Sibi

Abstract

The Prometheus myth in Greek literature deals primarily with the theft of fire. The mythological story unwinds such events as the sacrificial thigh bone, God’s corporal punishment, and the eating of flesh by an eagle. A link with the Oceanus race and with the continent of Asia is also seen. Interestingly resemblances with this myth can be seen in some ancient literary sources from Tamil and Sanskrit languages. The Tamil myth of ‘Sembian’ and the Sanskrit myth of ‘Sibi’ also have resemblances with the Greek myth of Prometheus. The parallels seen between these myths are examined here. Keywords: comparative study, Indian, myth, Prometheus, Sanskrit, Sembian, Sibi, Tamil