The first of an assumed trilogy (the possible sequels, "Prometheus Unbound" and "Prometheus the Fire-Carrier", are lost), "Prometheus Bound" recounts the mythological tale of the Titan, Prometheus, shackled to a large rock by Zeus as punishment for opposing his plan to destroy mankind. The play consists mainly of a series of speeches by Prometheus lamenting Zeus's tyranny and lauding his own efforts to better mankind's lot. Though Prometheus holds the secret that Zeus is destined to father a child greater than himself, he is unable to avoid his own fate of being swallowed by the rock (the last scene of the play), only to reemerge and be tortured by Zeus's eagle.