Final answer:
Zeus is considered a villain in 'Prometheus' for punishing Prometheus harshly, reflecting the complex and often morally ambiguous nature of the gods in Greek mythology.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the story of Prometheus, Zeus is often depicted as the villain because he punishes Prometheus for defying him. Prometheus defies Zeus by stealing fire from the gods and giving it to humanity, an act that Zeus feels threatens his authority and the order of the gods. Consequently, Zeus harms Prometheus by having him bound to a rock where an eagle eats his liver every day, which then regenerates at night due to Prometheus' immortality. This portrayal of Zeus reflects a complicated image in Greek mythology wherein gods, despite their power and knowledge, often engage in actions driven by revenge, jealousy, and power struggles, much like the humans they oversee.