Pandora is commonly identified as the first woman in Greek mythology.
The fullest surviving account of her creation appears in Hesiod’s Works and Days. Zeus commands the gods to make Pandora after Prometheus gives fire to humanity. Hephaestus shapes her from earth, while other gods provide qualities, skills, or possessions that help explain her name.
The phrase “first woman” is a modern summary of the myth rather than a direct ancient title used in every source. Greek mythology also includes earlier female figures such as goddesses and nymphs, so Pandora means the first woman in the human story, not the first female being of any kind.
Pandora’s story is closely linked with the origin of human suffering. When she opens the container entrusted to her, troubles spread among humans, while hope remains inside. Later retellings often call the container a box, although Hesiod’s word was a large storage jar.