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 Mātariśvan 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, Māui 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.
In one of the versions of Georgian myth, Amirani stole fire from metalsmiths, who refused to share it – and knowledge of creating it – with other humans.
