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Throughout history mankind has been fascinated with fire. It has always been the thing that sustains us, heats our homes, lets us cook. Because of how important fire has been to humans it has understandably found its way into human mythos all around the world. On this page you'll be able to see several examples of fire, and its importance in mythology.
In Greek mythology the titan Prometheus stole the gift of fire from the gods and gave it to the humans who where freezing in caves. The gods ended up punishing him by chaining him to a rock and having an eagle eat his liver, which regrew every day. Thanks to Prometheus, the humans where able to flourish.
First Nations in the pacific north-west tell a similar story to that of Prometheus. However, it varies in who stole it. Due to these indigenous groups being non-homogenous, the tales differ even within the cultural region. According to the Nez Perce, it was a beaver. According to the Achomawi, it was a dog. And according to what is believed to have been the Shoshone group, it was a coyote.
Originating in Ancient Egypt but spreading throughout the Mediterranean world, the phoenix used fire as a symbol of rebirth. They would live for at least 500 years, depending on the mythology, they would either create their own nest and set it ablaze or would fly to the altar and burst into flames. Later, this long life and vitality was often compared to Rome, and they were even used on coinage.
Cherokee legend tells of Grandmother Spider who, after Buzzard and Possum fail to bring back fire, steals it from the sun. She then hides it in a clay pot and weaves it into the world so that humans have light.
During the time of the Roman Empire, the Vestal Virgins were priestesses responsible for maintaining the sacred heart in the Temple of Vesta. This fire was symbolic of Rome's fortune and eternal vitality and was a manifestation of the Goddess Vesta. It was believed that if this fire were ever extinguished, Rome was in severe danger.
In Hawaiian mythology, Pele is the goddess of fire, lightning, and volcanoes. One of her primary roles is the formation of the islands. Her fires and lava are seen as symbols of destruction, rejuvenation, and the cycle of life and death. In a notable myth which explains the snow caps on some Hawaiian mountains, Pele threw fire from Mauna Kea at several various snow and water related goddesses resulting in Poli'ahu, the goddess of snow, covering the fire in a mantle of snow and extinguishing it.
In Celtic mythology, Brigid is the goddess of many different things, including fire. She is depicted to be the goddess of the hearth as well as a manifestation of the transformative and purifying aspects of fire. Many rituals involving her make use of lighting candles or fire. She is believed to offer the spark of inspiration and the fire of passion to those who seek her assistance. She is also associated with blacksmithing, which is frequently linked with fire deities.
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