In Greek mythology, who created Pandora at Zeus’s command?

In Greek mythology, Hephaestus created Pandora at Zeus’s command.

According to Hesiod’s Theogony, Zeus ordered Hephaestus to form a woman from earth and water. Hephaestus was the divine smith, famous for metalworking, craftsmanship, and ingenious inventions. The creation of Pandora therefore fits his role as the Olympian artisan who could shape a living figure.

Other gods then contributed qualities or gifts. Athena taught Pandora crafts, Aphrodite gave her grace and desire, and Hermes gave her a deceptive or manipulative nature in Hesiod’s account. Her name is commonly interpreted as “all-gifted” or “all-giving,” reflecting the gifts supplied by the gods.

Pandora’s creation is part of Zeus’s punishment of humanity after Prometheus stole fire for mortals. The myth links technological progress, divine revenge, and the arrival of human suffering. Later retellings often simplify the story into a woman opening a box, but the ancient account presents a coordinated divine creation with several contributors.