In Greek mythology, Pandora was created as punishment for Prometheus’s theft of fire from the gods.
Prometheus, a Titan, gave fire to humanity after taking it from Zeus. In Hesiod’s telling, Zeus responded by ordering the gods to create Pandora, the first woman, and sending her to Prometheus’s brother Epimetheus. Pandora’s arrival formed part of Zeus’s retaliation against both Prometheus and humankind.
The myth links the gift of fire with the arrival of suffering. Before Pandora opened the jar, humans were described as living without the troubles that later spread through the world. The story therefore presents a divine punishment narrative rather than a scientific explanation for human hardship.
A common mix-up is confusing Prometheus with Epimetheus. Prometheus was the Titan who stole and gave away the fire; Epimetheus was his brother, who accepted Pandora despite Prometheus’s warning not to accept gifts from Zeus.