In Greek mythology, Pandora is commonly described as the first woman.
Hesiod presents her as a divinely fashioned figure sent to humanity by Zeus. The gods contribute different qualities to her appearance and abilities, creating a being whose beauty and gifts conceal a dangerous purpose. Her creation follows the dispute between Zeus and Prometheus over the relationship between gods and humans.
This description belongs to Hesiod’s mythic account, not to a historical claim about human origins. Greek mythology contains several creation traditions, and Pandora’s story explains why suffering and hardship affect human life rather than giving a scientific account of the first humans.
The name Pandora is connected with the idea of receiving gifts from all the gods. In the ancient story, her characterization is more complex than the later shorthand of a curious woman opening a box. Hesiod emphasizes divine deception, marriage, and the consequences of accepting a gift from Zeus.