94 Nature Myths and Stories

Prometheus made animals and men and Epime-
theus, his brother, gave them gifts of courage,
swiftness and strength.

To some he gave feathers and wings, to others
fur and claws, and to others a hard shelly cover-
ing.

When he came to man he had no covering left.

Zeus said, “I will clothe man,” and that is the
reason his covering is so delicate and beautiful.

Prometheus’ people could not breathe.

Zeus sent him to AZolus, the god of the winds, for
help.

AZolus sent his strong son, North Wind, back with
Prometheus.

When North Wind saw the people of clay he
whistled with surprise.

He blew his breath upon them.

They turned as white as snow and began to
breathe.

They were a cold people, however, and Prome-
theus did not love them.

He went to A¢olus again and this time South Wind
and the zephyrs came with him.

South Wind brought the people green grass and
flowers and birds.

The zephyrs showed them how to laugh and cry
and sing and dance.

But the people were stupid.

They lived like ants in dark caves.