In Greek mythology, Pandora was the first woman created by the gods and given the famous container. Her name comes from Greek elements meaning “all-gifted,” because the gods each contributed something to her creation or adornment.
According to Hesiod, Zeus arranged Pandora’s creation as part of his punishment of humanity after Prometheus stole fire. Hephaestus shaped her from earth, while other gods supplied qualities such as beauty, skill, and persuasion. Hermes gave her a deceptive or misleading character in Hesiod’s account.
Pandora was sent to Epimetheus, Prometheus’s brother. Although Prometheus had warned him not to accept gifts from Zeus, Epimetheus welcomed her. Pandora later opened the container, releasing troubles into the human world. The familiar phrase “Pandora’s box” is therefore a later wording for an older Greek story about Pandora and a jar.