The Prometheus mystery: Why fire made us human (not the other way around)
Have you ever heard of a “Flare stack?” It’s the device that burns off excess gas at oil or gas wells. I once lived near an LNG terminal, and at night, the flare stack looked like a pillar of fire floating in the dark sky, which always reminded me of the Greek myth of Prometheus stealing fire from the gods. Even now, we are both fascinated and awed by fire. I sometimes pause to imagine how overwhelming it must have been for ancient people.
It is conventionally said that humans developed fire-making technology, and that was the trigger that differentiated us from other animals. However, some archaeologists insist the cause and effect are reversed. The heat of fire made food last longer, and the light extended our active hours after dark. Thanks to the extra time gained, we developed culture. Fire, in essence, made us human. This theory elegantly explains why myths universally describe fire as coming from a “higher place”—stolen from gods (Prometheus) or possessed by the king of animals (the Jaguar in Kayapo tribe myths).
Awe and arson: The Japanese fear of fire
This universal reverence for fire is also strong in Japanese myth. After the original two gods created Japan, the female goddess gave birth to the God of Fire, only to die immediately due to burn injuries. Regardless of the myth’s ultimate meaning, the implication is clear: fire is an incredibly powerful, life-altering force.
As I wrote, fire not only fascinates but also awes us. In Japan, both now and historically, most houses are made of wood. Especially in the past, when firefighting technology was underdeveloped, a single fire caused enormous devastation. Our ancestors were meticulous in handling fire and held a deep dread of it. For example, during the Edo era (1603–1867), arson was considered such a serious crime that arsonists were executed by burning.
The perfect balance: Eco-friendly bonfire on a Hokkaido rooftop
Fascination and awe. We hold these slightly conflicting emotions about fire because they represent the optimal condition for survival. Today, we can fully satisfy our feeling of fascination for fire in a safe environment.
Here in Hokkaido, it’s early autumn and getting chilly day by day—the perfect season for a bonfire! One of the coolest hotels in our hometown of Asahikawa (OMO7) opens a special Bonfire Bar on its rooftop terrace.
Here is the connection to our industry: The bonfire uses wood waste (end cuts and scraps) produced during the process of making furniture in Asahikawa. Visitors can sit in chairs made by Asahikawa furniture makers, including us at CondeHouse, while warming themselves with the very material that defines our city.
Visit Asahikawa: The bonfire experience with a furniture story
I went to the Bonfire Bar the other day and enjoyed simply staring into the fire, letting my mind drift away. I also discovered that the smell of smoke drastically changes depending on the wood type—even though my body and clothes were thoroughly smoked!
The Bonfire Bar is a limited-time experience. It was open until November 5th last year (2023), and the hotel has announced its return this autumn on September 1st, 2024.
So, after all that talk of Prometheus, Jaguar Kings, and the evolution of the human race, where does this grand analysis lead us? To the simple fact that I want you to visit a bar on a rooftop terrace in my local town. If you are looking for a unique, eco-friendly, and culturally deep experience in Hokkaido this fall, why don’t you come and enjoy the primal allure of fire, sitting in the very furniture that fire helps sustain? (I suppose that’s just the trajectory of a humble Hokkaido furniture maker!)
Photo credit: https://omo-hotels.com/asahikawa/sptopics/5652/
Shungo Ijima
He is travelling around the world. His passion is to explain Japan to the world, from the unique viewpoint accumulated through his career: overseas posting, MBA holder, former official of the Ministry of Finance.