The concept behind Mary Shelley's story of Frankenstein is by no means a new idea. Long ago, the Greeks had a mythological character called Prometheus. Trent Lorcher says this about him. “The full title of the novel, Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus, emphasizes the theme of Victor as a wanderer, someone who rises beyond his abilities. In Greek mythology, Prometheus created man. As a modern Prometheus, Victor creates a new species. Prometheus feels love for his creation (unlike modern Prometheus), goes too far and steals fire from Zeus. Zeus punishes Prometheus by chaining him to a rock for eternity and sending an eagle to eat his liver daily. So what does Frankenstein have to do with this Prometheus? Believe it or not, they are practically the same characters. Frankenstein's Viktor Frankenstein and Mary Shelley's Prometheus are similar in that they both seek knowledge, they both challenge a higher power, and they both are determined. Initially, Frankenstein and Prometheus are similar because they seek knowledge. In both stories, the protagonist is not content to be limited in what he knows. Prometheus learns skills and trades from other gods, just as Frankenstein learns from his teachers and pursues his knowledge. They also both share a fascination, as Rebecca Dudczak points out. “Besides the title, Shelley borrows from the tale of Prometheus a sense of the consequences resulting from the search for enlightenment and power. Victor is his modern incarnation of Prometheus. Like Prometheus, he is fascinated by the power of electricity (lightning). We can recall from the story the moment when he allows himself to be captivated by his fantastic power. This quote from the book itself will solidify that statement...... middle of paper ary Shelly's Frankenstein shows us the dangers involved in playing God as well as falsifying life and death of nature. It may not have ended well for them, but it was certainly a good read for us. Works Cited Baase, Sara. “Myth of Prometheus: a gift of fire.” Myth of Prometheus: A gift of fire. Np, and Web. March 28, 2014. Dudczak, Rebecca. “A Cultural History of Frankenstein: The Modern Prometheus.” » A cultural history of Frankenstein: the modern Prometheus. Np, and Web. March 28, 2014.Lorcher, Trent. “Major Allusions and Themes in Frankenstein: Study Guide.” Bright Hub Education. Np, and Web. March 31, 2014.Pontikis, Nick. “Myth Man's Prometheus Homework Help, Page Two”. Myth Man's Prometheus Homework Help, page two. Np, and Web. March 31, 2014. Spositos, Martin. “Frankenstein is a modern Prometheus.” Msposito3s Blog. Np, and Web. March 31. 2014.