pramantha could scarcely be so direct as Kuhn conjectures. The question of an indirect relation is not decided with that. Above all, [Greek: Promêtheu/s] is of great significance as a surname for [Greek: I)tha/s], since the "flaming one" is the "fore-thinker." (Pramati = precaution is also an attribute of Agni, although pramati is of another derivation.) Prometheus, however, belongs to the line of Phlegians which was placed by Kuhn in uncontested relationship to the Indian priest family of Bhṛgu.[9] The Bhṛgu are like Mâtariçvan (the "one swelling in the mother"), also fire-bringers. Kuhn quotes a passage, according to which Bhṛgu also arises from the flame like Agni. ("In the flame Bhṛgu originated. Bhṛgu roasted, but did not burn.") This view leads to a root related to Bhṛgu, that is to say, to the Sanskrit bhrây = to light, Latin fulgeo and Greek [Greek: phle/gô] (Sanskrit bhargas = splendor, Latin fulgur). Bhṛgu appears, therefore, as "the shining one." [Greek: Phlegy/as] means a certain species of eagle, on account of its burnished gold color. The connection with [Greek: phle/gein], which signifies "to burn," is clear. The Phlegians are also the fire eagles.[10] Prometheus also belongs to the Phlegians. The path from Pramantha to Prometheus passes not through the word, but through the idea, and, therefore, we should adopt this same meaning for Prometheus as that which Pramantha attains from the Hindoo fire symbolism.[11]
The Pramantha, as the tool of Manthana (the fire sacrifice), is considered purely sexual in the Hindoo; the Pramantha as phallus, or man; the bored wood underneath as vulva, or woman.[12] The resulting fire is the
