In Greek mythology, the woman who opened the famous container sent to humanity was Pandora.
Pandora is presented in Hesiod’s works as the first woman, created by the gods after Prometheus gave fire to humans. Each god contributed a quality or gift to her, helping explain her name, commonly interpreted as “all-gifted.” Zeus then sent her to Epimetheus, the brother of Prometheus.
The familiar English phrase says that Pandora opened a box, but the ancient Greek word described a large storage jar or vessel. When Pandora opened it, harmful things escaped into the world, while Hope remained inside after the vessel was closed.
The story is often compared with other myths about the origin of human suffering, but Pandora is not simply portrayed as a modern-style villain. Hesiod’s account also reflects ancient Greek ideas about divine punishment, marriage, work, and the difficult conditions of human life.