In Greek mythology, who physically fashioned Pandora from clay?

In Greek mythology, Hephaestus physically fashioned Pandora from clay. Hesiod describes Zeus ordering the smith god to make a woman’s form, establishing Hephaestus as the craftsman behind Pandora’s creation.

Hephaestus was the Olympian god of fire, metalworking, smiths, and craftsmanship. His role is especially fitting because Pandora is presented as an artificial creation assembled through divine skill. After Hephaestus shapes her, other gods add qualities and adornments, turning the statue-like figure into a living woman.

This part of the story is sometimes confused with the creation of humanity itself. Pandora is not described as the maker of humans, nor is Hephaestus the general creator of all people in Greek mythology. His specific task is to form Pandora at Zeus’s command.

The image also influenced later art, where Pandora is shown emerging from a workshop or being animated by divine power. Hesiod’s account, however, emphasizes the contributions of many gods rather than one simple act of creation.