Liver History

The liver shows up in Greek mythology. Zeus was furious with Prometheus because he stole fire and gave it to humans. Zeus ordered Prometheus to be chained to a rock. Every day an eagle would peck out his liver and it would regenerate overnight.

The ancient people of the Near East and Mediterranean areas used sheep livers to tell fortunes, a practice known as haruspicy. Personally, I think palm reading isn’t as messy.

In the time of Plato, the liver was thought harbor dark emotions—rage, jealousy and greed. My goodness, everyone knows that the liver in a non-complaining organ.