CULTURE HEROES

[Other] Myths of culture heroes describe the actions and character of beings who are responsible for the discovery of a particular artifact or technological process. A famous culture hero, a prototype of this kind, is Prometheus, from Greek mythology. He stole fire from the gods and gave it to mankind (an action that is classified as a 'fire theft myth'). Similar is the blacksmith from Dogon culture, who steals seeds for the human community from the granary of the gods. Hainuwele, from Ceram, Indonesia, is also such a figure. From the orifices of her body she provides mankind with various necessary and luxury goods.