Greek Mythology for Kids. Sasha Zimin

can be a hero, even if they’re not a full god, as long as they have a brave heart.

      Prometheus and Fire

      Long, long ago, when the world was still very young, there lived a Titan named Prometheus. He was very smart and kind, and he loved helping people. In those days, people lived in caves, shivered from the cold, and ate raw food because they didn’t have fire. Fire belonged only to the gods on Mount Olympus, and they didn’t want to share it with humans.

      Prometheus saw how hard life was for people and decided to help them. He knew that Zeus, the king of the gods, had forbidden giving fire to humans, but Prometheus decided to disobey. One day, he climbed up to Olympus, took a glowing ember from the sacred fire, and hid it in a hollow reed. Then he went down to the people and gave them the fire.

      The people were so happy! Now they could warm themselves, cook food, and light their homes. They became stronger and happier. But Zeus found out that Prometheus had disobeyed him and became very angry. He decided to punish Prometheus for his kindness.

      Zeus ordered his servants to capture Prometheus and chain him to a high rock on a mountain peak. Every day, a giant eagle flew to Prometheus and pecked at his liver. It was very painful, but Prometheus was immortal, so his liver grew back every day, and the eagle returned again and again.

      Despite his suffering, Prometheus didn’t regret what he had done. He knew he had helped people, and that made him happy. For many years, he endured the pain until one day a hero named Heracles came to his rescue. Heracles killed the eagle and freed Prometheus from his chains.

      This story teaches us that kindness and bravery sometimes require sacrifices, but they make the world a better place. Prometheus became a symbol of wisdom and care for humanity, and his story reminds us how important it is to help one another.

      Pandora and Her Box

      Long, long ago, when the world was still very young, there lived a mischievous and curious god named Prometheus. He loved humans very much and once gave them fire so they could warm themselves and cook food. But Zeus, the king of the gods, was angry with Prometheus for disobeying his orders. Zeus decided to punish not only Prometheus but all humans as well.

      Zeus came up with a clever plan. He asked the other gods to create the first woman on Earth. She was named Pandora. The gods made her very beautiful and gave her many gifts: intelligence, beauty, kindness, and even curiosity. But Zeus added one secret gift – a box. He told Pandora, “Never open this box!” But Zeus knew that Pandora was very curious and hoped she wouldn’t resist.

      Pandora was sent to Earth, where she met a kind man named Epimetheus. They became friends and started living together. Pandora was happy, but she was always tormented by curiosity. She often looked at the box and thought, “What’s inside? Why can’t I open it?”

      One day, Pandora couldn’t resist anymore. She said to herself, “I’ll just open the lid a little and peek inside. Nothing bad will happen!” But as soon as she opened the box, all the troubles and misfortunes flew out: diseases, sorrows, anger, and envy. They spread all over the world, and people began to suffer.

      Pandora got scared and slammed the box shut, but it was too late. All the troubles had already escaped. She started crying, but then she heard a soft voice from the box. It was hope. She said, “Don’t cry, Pandora. I stayed here to help people. Even in the darkest times, I will be with them.”

      Since then, despite all the troubles that came into the world, people have always had hope. It helps them cope with difficulties and believe in better days.

      This story teaches us that curiosity is good, but sometimes it can lead to trouble. It also reminds us that even in the toughest situations, there is always hope.

      12 Labors of Hercules

      Long, long ago, there lived a strong and brave hero named Hercules. He was the son of the god Zeus and a mortal woman named Alcmene. But Zeus’s wife, the goddess Hera, was very jealous and didn’t like Hercules because he was her husband’s son from another woman. She decided to harm him.

      One day, when Hercules was still a baby, Hera sent two snakes to attack him. But Hercules was so strong that he grabbed the snakes with his hands and strangled them! Everyone was amazed at how brave he was.

      When Hercules grew up, he got married and lived happily. But Hera didn’t leave him alone. She made him go mad, and Hercules, not knowing what he was doing, hurt his family. When he came to his senses, he was very upset and wanted to make things right.

      Hercules went to the oracle to ask how he could atone for his mistake. The oracle said, “You must serve King Eurystheus and complete all his tasks. Only then can you cleanse your soul.”

      Hercules agreed, even though he knew King Eurystheus was a weak and envious man. But he was ready to do anything to become better and make up for his mistake. And so began the famous 12 labors of Hercules, which made him known throughout the world.

      Long, long ago, in a forest near the city of Nemea, there lived a huge lion. It wasn’t an ordinary lion – it was magical! Its skin was so thick that neither swords nor arrows could pierce it. The lion attacked people and animals, and everyone was afraid of it. King Eurystheus gave Hercules his first task: to defeat this terrifying beast.

      Hercules went into the forest. He searched for a long time and finally found the lion’s den. The lion was enormous, with a mane like fire and eyes that sparkled like lightning. Hercules tried shooting arrows at it, but the arrows bounced off its skin like stones. Then he took his club and hit the lion, but that didn’t work either.

      Hercules realized he needed to try something else. He threw down his weapons and decided to fight the lion with his bare hands. The lion jumped at him, but Hercules was stronger. He grabbed the lion by the neck and began to strangle it. The lion scratched and roared, but Hercules didn’t let go. Finally, the lion stopped moving.

      Hercules had won! But his task wasn’t over yet. He wanted to skin the lion to make a cloak, but the skin was too tough. Then Hercules used the lion’s own sharp claws to cut it. The result was a great cloak that protected Hercules in his other tasks.