One World Mythology: The Significance of Fire

byGaurav Yadav

All matter is supposed to be made up of five elements—earth, water, fire, wind and space. Out of these, fire is the only element that humans can create. Wildfires can be uncontrollable and destructive, but domestic fires give warmth and sustenance. While history does not tell us where and when the secret of fire was learned by humans, mythology offers various answers.

One World Mythology: The Significance of Fire

Greek mythology says that the Greek titan Prometheus stole fire from the gods and gave it to humans. For this, he was punished by Zeus. He was tied to a rock and an eagle was sent to peck at his liver every day. Among the Dogons of Mali in West Africa, Nommo was the first being that brought fire dow