In Doctor Who, the sealed object Rory guards in the 2010 episode “The Pandorica Opens” is the Pandorica.
The Pandorica is introduced as a legendary prison containing the most dangerous being in the universe. The episode, written by Steven Moffat, builds its mystery around the question of what is inside the supposedly impenetrable device. Rory Williams is placed in the role of guarding it after the object opens and the surrounding events become increasingly dangerous.
The name deliberately echoes Pandora’s box. Both objects are associated with a sealed container, an ominous revelation, and consequences that exceed ordinary human control. Doctor Who transforms the old mythic pattern into science fiction, using an advanced prison rather than a jar filled with abstract evils.
“The Pandorica Opens” is the first part of a two-part 2010 season finale, followed by “The Big Bang.” It stars Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor and Karen Gillan as Amy Pond, with Arthur Darvill as Rory.