The myth of Prometheus and the liver.

Introduction A recent viewing ofthe painting, Prometheus Bound by Peter Paul Rubens (Boston Museum of Fine Arts Exhibition, 1993), brings to mind the role ofthe liver in the myth of Prometheus. Rubens' powerful scene (completed 1618) depicts an enchained Prometheus writhing in the foreground with an eagle pecking at the exposed liver (Figure 1)1. In the legend, the eagle's meal is repeated every day after overnight recovery of the liver. This unusual form ofpunishment is an uncommon occurrence in the literature ofmyths. Several questions arise. Why the liver in the first place? Had the ancient Greeks some knowledge of hepatic regeneration? What is the significance ofthe liver in this torment? For possible explanations let us consider the myth of Prometheus.