The
theft of fire for the benefit of humanity is a theme that recurs in many world
mythologies. Examples include:
- In Greek mythology, the Titan Prometheus steals the heavenly fire for humanity, enabling the progress of civilization.
- According to the Rig Veda (3:9.5), the hero Matarisvan recovered fire, which had been hidden from humanity.
- In the Book of Enoch, the fallen angels and Azazel teach early humanity to use tools and fire.
- In Polynesian myth, Maui stole fire from the Mudhens.
- In Cherokee myth, after Possum and Buzzard had failed to steal fire, Grandmother Spider used her web to sneak into the land of light. She stole fire, hiding it in a clay pot.
- Among various Native American tribes of the Pacific Northwest and First Nations, fire was stolen and given to humans by Coyote, Beaver or Dog.
- According to some Yukon First Nations people, Crow stole fire from a volcano in the middle of the water.
- According to the Creek Native Americans, Rabbit stole fire from the Weasels.
- In Algonquin myth, Rabbit stole fire from an old man and his two daughters.
- In Ojibwa myth, Nanabozho the hare stole fire and gave it to humans.