Many Greek gods were seen as both benefactors and tormentors, it usually depends on which god or goddess you are researching. The seemingly contradictory behavior of the gods, who act as both benefactors and tormentors of man, can be easily explained when viewed in light of the primary directive for man, that of worshiping the gods and not “overstepping,” and the consequent “ Deus ex Mahina” which served to force man to fulfill his destiny, as evidenced by the myths: “Pandora”, “Arachne and “Odysseus”. Humanity and its view of the beauty and power of the gods depicted them as benefactors, but unseemly depicted their affliction towards humans. A Benefactor is someone who benefits or helps a person in real life, some of the Greek gods intercede with humans. One of humanity's greatest benefactors is the Greek titan Prometheus; Prometheus stole fire from the great gods and gave it to humanity. He is known to be called "the Titan who created man from clay" and "the wise Titan God". Prometheus was said to have the ability to peer into the future. When the gods fought in the "Titanomachy", Zeus extradited the Titans to Tartarus but spared Prometheus because he did not fight against the other Gods along with the other Titans. In the myth of Prometheus, Zeus tried to keep the knowledge of fire and the ability to have power away from humanity. As their creator, Prometheus became more affectionate towards humans and wanted them to have a better life, so in order for this to happen, the Titan stole fire from the Gods. It was also known that he stole the knowledge of certain skills from Athena and Hephaestus and brought them to man. Prometheus is known to be a trickster god. He was the benefactor and protector of human beings. Second... half of the paper... one by one he devours the men until only 4 men remain with Odysseus. Odysseus tricks the Cyclops into opening the door and pierces his eye with a wooden stake. The 5 men flee, after wounding his son's eye, Poseidon curses Ulysses to never return home, and if he does his loved ones and friends will abandon him. Myths demonstrating the contradictory behavior of the gods, acting as both benefactors and tormentors of man, can be easily explained when viewed in light of the primary directive for man, to worship the gods and not “overstep,” and the resulting “ Deus ex Mahina” which served to force man to fulfill his destiny as highlighted by the myths: “Pandora”, “Arachne and “Odysseus”. Humanity and its view of the beauty and power of the gods depicted them as benefactors, but it unseemly depicted their affliction towards humans.