10 Astounding Facts About The Lighthouse You Didn't Know
4. Greek Mythology 101
The Lighthouse doesn't make light of its symbolism from its heavy influences from Jungian psychology to German Expressionism. Another added layer that Eggers put on full display is the Greek mythology borrowed and its transmutation of Prometheus and Proteus.
Prometheus in Greek mythology was known for helping in the illumination of mankind, giving humanity knowledge that was forbidden by Zeus and by doing so, was punished to eternity. The punishment: tied to a rock and his innards eaten by a bird, only to have it completely healed the next day. Once Pattinson touched the light, it was overwhelming and was met with punishment shortly after.
Proteus on the other hand was known as the shepherd of the sea and everything in it - seagulls and all. This lends itself on why the wind changed after Pattinson's character obliterated a gull as punishment - if one were to take the literal interpretation - and doubling the bad luck superstition from sailors warned by Willem Dafoe.