Zeus gave Pandora to Epimetheus as part of his punishment for Prometheus’s theft of fire.
In Hesiod’s version, Prometheus deceives Zeus and later steals fire for humanity. Zeus responds by arranging a punishment that affects both Prometheus and mortals. He orders the gods to create Pandora, then sends her to Epimetheus, Prometheus’s brother.
Epimetheus had been warned not to accept gifts from Zeus, but he eventually accepts Pandora. She then opens the container, releasing the troubles that spread among humanity. The story links divine authority, punishment, and the consequences of accepting an apparently attractive gift.
Zeus is the ruler of the Olympian gods, while Apollo, Ares, and Hermes have separate roles in Greek mythology. Hermes is associated with communication, travel, and trickery, but he is not the god who assigns Pandora’s punishment in Hesiod’s account.