In Greek mythology, Zeus commands the creation of Pandora as punishment after Prometheus gives fire to humanity.
Hesiod presents Pandora’s story in Works and Days as part of Zeus’s response to Prometheus’s deception and theft. Prometheus had concealed the edible portions of an ox and later stolen fire for human beings. Zeus retaliates by arranging the creation of a woman whose arrival brings suffering to mortals.
The gods contribute different qualities and skills to Pandora, while Hephaestus shapes her from earth. Hermes gives her a deceptive character and speech, according to Hesiod’s account. The name Pandora is commonly explained as “all-gifted,” because the gods provide her with gifts.
Modern retellings often describe Pandora as personally responsible for releasing evil, but Hesiod’s story places the larger plan with Zeus. The familiar phrase “Pandora’s box” also reflects a later translation tradition: Hesiod describes a large storage jar, or pithos, rather than a box.