Prometheus, Zeus' cousin, has given mankind fire. Further, he has thwarted Zeus's plan to obliterate the human race, and, in saving them, has taught them many arts. His generosity to mankind knows no bounds, but it is precisely this which sees him punished. In Aeschylus's play we see Prometheus chained to the Caucasus Mountains with chains forged by the god Hephaestus. Despite the sympathy of Hephaestus (whose fire it was Prometheus stole for the humans), and the pain of bondage, Prometheus proudly holds on to his anger at Zeus. 'Prometheus Bound' sees many suppliants plead with Prometheus to cast aside this pride and beg forgiveness of his powerful cousin. Instead he rages on.