Prometheus and his brother Epimetheus were the sons of a Titan, Japetus. Japetus clashed with Zeus in the Battle of the Titans, whereas Prometheus - which means "forethought" - guessing that Zeus would be the victor, sided with him. But although Zeus and Prometheus both shared a shrewd and cunning nature, they clashed fiercely. Prometheus wanted to be of help to mankind, and managed to convince Zeus to give them fire. But when Zeus decided to relegate humans to their place, and to create a hierarchy between the gods and man, Prometheus opposed him.