In Greek mythology, the woman who opens the container is named Pandora.
Hesiod explains her name as meaning “all-gifted” or “all-giving,” because the gods provide her with different gifts and abilities. The story places her within a divine punishment narrative: Zeus has Pandora created after Prometheus gives fire to humanity, which Zeus views as an offense.
Pandora is not described in the earliest account as simply finding a mysterious box by accident. She is created by the gods, sent to the mortal world, and associated with Epimetheus, Prometheus’s brother. Once the container is opened, troubles spread among humans, while hope remains behind.
Later retellings often portray Pandora as uniquely curious or blame her personally for every human misfortune. Hesiod’s story is more complicated: Zeus, the gods, Prometheus, Epimetheus, and the structure of divine punishment all shape the myth. The popular version is therefore only one interpretation of the ancient narrative.