In Greek mythology, Pandora was the woman whose opened jar released troubles into the world. Her name is commonly interpreted as meaning “all-gifted” or “all gifts,” connecting her to the gifts bestowed by the gods.
Hesiod presents Pandora as the first woman. The gods gave her different qualities and possessions, including craftsmanship, beauty, speech, and a deceptive nature. Zeus sent her to humanity as part of a punishment connected with the theft of fire.
Pandora was associated with Epimetheus, the brother of Prometheus. Although Prometheus warned Epimetheus not to accept gifts from Zeus, Epimetheus received Pandora. The later opening of the vessel explains why suffering exists among humans.
Many retellings describe Pandora as simply evil, but Hesiod’s story is more complicated. She is a divine creation used in a wider conflict among gods and humans, and her curiosity is only one part of the myth. Later art and literature gave her many different personalities.