In Greek mythology, Hermes gave Pandora a deceptive or flattering voice. Hesiod’s Works and Days describes Hermes as contributing speech and a character associated with lies or persuasive behavior.
Hermes was the messenger of the gods and a figure linked with travel, trade, boundaries, cleverness, and trickery. His association with persuasive speech fits the myth’s presentation of Pandora as a divinely assembled instrument of Zeus’s punishment.
Other gods also contribute to Pandora’s appearance and qualities. Hephaestus makes her form from earth, while Athena supplies clothing and adornment in the traditional account. Aphrodite contributes beauty or desirability in later summaries.
Translations differ in their wording, so some versions describe Hermes giving Pandora “a shameless mind,” “a lying tongue,” or a deceptive voice. These phrases refer to the same general role: Hermes supplies speech with a dangerous persuasive quality.