The theft of fire for the benefit of humanity is a theme that recurs in many world mythologies. Examples include:

• In Greek mythology, the Titan Prometheus steals the heavenly fire for humanity, enabling the progress of civilization.
• According to the Rig Veda (3:9.5), the hero Matarisvan recovered fire, which had been hidden from humanity.
• In the Book of Enoch, the fallen angels and Azazel teach early humanity to use tools and fire.
• In Polynesian myth, Maui stole fire from the Mudhens.
• In Cherokee myth, after Possum and Buzzard had failed to steal fire, Grandmother Spider used her web to sneak into the land of light. She stole fire, hiding it in a clay pot.
• Among various Native American tribes of the Pacific Northwest and First Nations, fire was stolen and given to humans by Coyote, Beaver or Dog.
• According to some Yukon First Nations people, Crow stole fire from a volcano in the middle of the water.
• According to the Creek Native Americans, Rabbit stole fire from the Weasels.
• In Algonquin myth, Rabbit stole fire from an old man and his two daughters.
• In Ojibwa myth, Nanabozho the hare stole fire and gave it to humans.