In Greek mythology, Hephaestus creates Pandora at Zeus’s command as a punishment after humanity receives fire. Hephaestus, the divine smith and craftsman, shapes her from earth or clay in Hesiod’s account.
The myth connects Pandora’s creation with the conflict between Zeus and Prometheus. Prometheus had deceived Zeus and later stolen fire for humans, so Zeus devised a countermeasure that would bring suffering to humanity while appearing to be a gift.
Other gods then contribute characteristics and adornments to Pandora. Hesiod’s Works and Days describes her clothing and decoration, while related passages and later traditions associate different gifts with deities such as Athena, Aphrodite, and Hermes.
A common mix-up is to credit Prometheus with creating Pandora because he is central to the surrounding story. Prometheus, however, is the fire-bringer and Zeus’s opponent; Hephaestus is the divine artisan who fashions Pandora.