In Greek mythology, which poem by Hesiod first records the story of Pandora’s jar?

Hesiod’s Works and Days first records the story of Pandora’s jar in Greek literature.

Hesiod, an early Greek poet traditionally dated to the eighth or seventh century BCE, tells the story while explaining why human life contains hardship. In his account, Zeus sends Pandora to humanity after Prometheus steals fire for mortals. The poem calls the container a large jar, not a box.

The story appears in the section describing the Five Ages of Man. Pandora opens the jar, releasing troubles into the world, while hope remains inside. The familiar English phrase “Pandora’s box” comes from later translation and artistic tradition rather than Hesiod’s original wording.

Hesiod also discusses farming, justice, work, and proper conduct throughout the poem. The Theogony, another work attributed to Hesiod, gives related mythological background but does not provide the same full account of Pandora’s jar.