(Greek Mythology) The Abyss
Chapter 77
Before this, human life had never been afflicted by disasters, nor burdened by arduous labor, nor plagued by tormenting diseases. But after Pandora opened the box, disasters filled the earth, sky, and sea in all sorts of forms; diseases roamed freely among the people, ceaselessly and silently, day and night; various fevers besieged the land; and Death, which once lurked slowly among humanity, now ran swiftly.
In short, it means human life was miserable. ╮(╯▽╰)╭
A group's rebellion is called a revolution; an individual's rebellion is called courting death. After dealing with humanity, Zeus set his sights on the reckless Prometheus, finally succeeding in chaining this troublemaker to the cliffs of the Caucasus Mountains with unbreakable chains, and sending his eagle to devour Prometheus's liver every day.
Zeus: Serves you right for always opposing me. Now you're getting your comeuppance. (A triumphant laugh)
Anyway, gods don't die. Their livers will quickly grow back, saving me money on pet food. You know, high-class food like a god's body is rare.
I've learned a new money-saving skill, though it seems a bit unethical. (Serious face)
However, as Zeus's long-time thorn in his side, Prometheus wasn't about to let him off easily. Before being chained, he prophesied to Zeus with a charlatan's air: the new marriage would lead to the downfall and destruction of the ruler of the gods.
Then, no matter how Zeus threatened him, Prometheus refused to elaborate on this ambiguous prophecy.
Zeus: Wait, come back and explain yourself before you leave. Σ(っ°Д °;)っ
Prometheus: Heh (sarcastic face)
Having been tricked by Prometheus, Zeus vented his anger on humanity. He contacted his brother Poseidon, and they swiftly destroyed humankind with a great flood.
Although everyone knew Zeus did this because he was angered by a prophecy that he would be overthrown, for the sake of his image as the wise and virtuous king of the gods (?), this couldn't be said openly.
Behind every seemingly wise and powerful king of the gods is a formidable public relations team, who quickly found a plausible reason for Zeus's actions.
Official Explanation: In the Bronze Age, humankind on Earth became increasingly corrupt. To maintain the purity of the world, it was decided to use a flood to exterminate the disrespectful and wicked humankind.
This was intended to show that their king's actions were righteous and justified, and that everyone should unconditionally agree with and support this action.
Actually, I think the only way to maintain the purity of the world is to exterminate the divine realm. So you've really exterminated the wrong race.
Do you need a method for painless suicide? 998! Just 998! A painless suicide method to take home, guaranteed to kill you without any pain.
Gods: Get lost!!
As for the official explanation, how many gods would actually believe it…?
Everyone unanimously replied, "Oh, what's the big deal? It's not the first time it's happened. As long as it looks good on the surface, that's fine."
With Zeus as their king, everyone says they've maxed out the essential skill for living in the divine realm: "Painting a Picture of Peace," and through constant practice, they've honed their proficiency to the maximum.
The idea of a flood wiping out humanity feels strangely familiar, so why don't you try something a little more innovative?
Okay, if we have to say, this extermination operation does have some innovation, like two extra survivors.
Survivor Number One: Deucalion, son of the sea goddess Clymene and Prometheus.
Survivor #2: Pyrrha, daughter of Pandora and Epimetheus.
At this point, we must thank the time traveler for pairing up Cres, the god of growth, and Iapetus, the god of death, making Prometheus their child. Otherwise…
#In mythology, Prometheus is the son of Iapetus, the god of death, and Clymene, the sea goddess.#
#Then Deucalion is the son of Clymene and Prometheus.#
#Therefore, Clymene is both the mother of Prometheus and the mother of Prometheus's son.#
The image is too beautiful to bear Σ( ° △°|||)︴
Once again, I despise the shattered integrity of the Greek mythological world.
As for why the son of two gods, Clymene and Prometheus, is human →_→
This is the evil consequence of overbreeding. (Aria)
But the bloodline has been diluted to the point that even their descendants aren't gods anymore! What are you trying to do? Don't you know what it means to court death?
Deucalion and Pyrrha were two obedient children. They heeded Prometheus's advice and built an ark, thus escaping the Great Flood by hiding inside.
I think Prometheus, who was utterly betrayed by his unreliable allies Epimetheus and Pandora, must have been quite relieved. Finally, someone was willing to listen to him obediently; it was truly a rare treat.
When the flood receded, Deucalion and Pyrrha saw corpses scattered across the mountains and fields. Deeply worried about the impending extinction of humanity, they entered a dilapidated temple, prostrated themselves on the ground, and prayed for divine guidance.
Then came the solemn voice of the goddess from above: "I am Gaia, the goddess of the earth. Humanity is my child. I cannot bear to see them suffer such calamity, so let me save all living beings. The earth is the mother of all things, and the stones are my bones. Put on your veils, take off your clothes, pick up the soil from the ground, and scatter it on the ground outside the temple."
The two followed the goddess's command and threw the soil onto the earth behind them. The soil gradually took shape, becoming flesh and blood, while the stones became soft bones, and the patterns on the stones became veins. The soil thrown by Deucalion became a man, and that of Pikachu became a woman. This is the origin of humanity in the Heroic Age.
Now, the question arises: Your Highness Gaia, who once righteously and resolutely went on strike, now creates humanity, contradicting yourself. Where is your dignity as the goddess of the earth?
Gaia: Strictly speaking, I did not create humanity. Haven't you noticed that this generation of humans not only has a different birth method than those I created, but their strength is also far weaker than those I created?
Fusheng: That makes so much sense, I'm speechless. (Somber face)
Chapter 77