In Greek mythology, Zeus ordered the creation of Pandora as punishment for Prometheus.
Prometheus had stolen fire from the gods and given it to humanity. Zeus, ruler of the Olympian gods, responded by planning a punishment that would affect humans. He instructed Hephaestus to fashion Pandora and directed the other gods to provide her with different gifts.
Pandora’s arrival is therefore tied directly to the conflict between Zeus and Prometheus. She is not created by the container, and the container is not originally described as an ordinary box. The story’s central chain is divine creation, marriage to Epimetheus, and the opening of the sealed vessel.
Later versions often make Pandora personally responsible for all suffering. Hesiod’s narrative instead places the larger plan with Zeus, while Pandora’s action releases what the vessel contains.