ABSTRACT
In Vedic mythology fire is said to have been brought down from heaven by Mâtariṣvan, who so far answers to the Greek Prometheus. He was the messenger of Vivasvant, the first sacrificer, and he fetched the fire for the purpose of being used in sacrifice; for in the opinion of the Vedic poets the prime utility of fire is not to warm man and to cook his food, but to consume the sacrifice offered to the gods. 1 Thus in a hymn of the Rigveda addressed jointly to Agni (the deified fire) and Soma (the deified plant, source of an intoxicant drink), it is said :
“Agni and Soma, joined in operation ye have set up the shining lights in heaven.
From curse and from reproach, Agni and Soma, ye freed the rivers that were bound in fetters.
One of you (that is, Agni) Mâtariṣvan brought from heaven, the Falcon rent the other (that is, Soma) from the mountain.” 2
