In Greek mythology, Hermes gave Pandora a deceptive mind and persuasive speech.
Hesiod’s account describes Pandora as receiving characteristics from several gods. Hermes, the messenger of the gods, is associated in this episode with putting a deceptive or shameless character into her and giving her speech.
This role matches Hermes’s wider mythological identity. He is a god of communication, travel, commerce, boundary-crossing, and trickery. The episode therefore presents speech not simply as a neutral skill but as part of the danger Zeus sends to humanity.
Retellings often compress all the divine contributions into the phrase “the gods gave Pandora gifts.” That summary can obscure the specific assignments: Athena is linked with weaving, Aphrodite with beauty and desire, and Hermes with speech and a deceptive disposition.