Of Prometheus and the Crucifix

Album: Shogun (2008)
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Songfacts®:

  • Artist Direct asked Matt Heafy what was the story behind this song. The vocalist/guitarist replied: "The title of the song involves two strands: one from Greek mythology and one from Judeo-Christian imagery and storytelling. Thematically, I'll give a general answer for all the lyrics of the entire album. With every album we have ever done as Trivium, we've been extremely clear-cut in terms of exactly what every single song is about. With this record, some of the songs have multiple meanings. Some are singular. Some of them were even written stream-of-conscious, so the meanings of the songs are still being revealed even to me, which is really interesting. With this record, there is no right or wrong answer to what any of these songs are about or any of the ways they can be interpreted by the listener or our fans. So that is my long answer to what Prometheus and all of the songs are about. It does have a multi-meaning literal allusion with the song title."
  • In Greek mythology, Prometheus was a Titan who stole fire from Zeus for the human race. In revenge, Zeus had him chained to a rock where the unfortunate Prometheus' liver was eaten daily by an eagle only to be regenerated each time. Years later Hercules rescued him.

Comments: 1

  • Jesse from AshlandIn Judeo-Christian imagery and storytelling, the Crucifix is a Cross with Jesus of Nazareth nailed to it, just before his death. His father God, in heaven, set a plan for the son of God's life. He would be a holy sacrifice, an offering of repentence for man's Sin. At the age of 33, he was sentenced by the Roman court to a torturous execution. To humiliate Jesus, the soldiers attacked him with claws sewn into whips and forced him to carry his own Cross for the ritual. They also mocked him with a thornbrush fashioned into a painful crown atop his head. He took on all Sin for all Sinners as he was nailed to a "t" shaped wooden cross; it was raised high above for all to see. Jesus is the Lamb of God. His dying cross was flanked by two other condemned prisoners. He died upon the cross, visited eternal Hell, defeated Lucifer (Satan), and returned on the third day with hope and redemption for all of humanity. Whosoever believes in him shall not perish (in Sin) but have everlasting life. After Jesus' resurrection, he ascended to heaven and will return to Earth in Revelations as a conqueror, a slayer; on a white horse with a sword and a sharp tongue. The Lion of Judah.
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