In Hesiod’s account of Pandora, Zeus tells Hephaestus to shape her from earth.
Hephaestus is the Greek god of fire, metalworking, craftsmanship, and artisans. His skill as a divine maker makes him the natural figure to construct Pandora’s body. Hesiod’s Works and Days describes Zeus ordering Hephaestus to make a woman’s form, after which other gods contribute abilities, adornments, or qualities.
The story is part of Hesiod’s explanation for why human life includes suffering and hardship. Zeus’s command follows Prometheus’s theft of fire, which benefited humanity but angered the king of the gods. Pandora is presented as a divine creation sent to humans as a punishment.
Some modern summaries name Athena as Pandora’s maker because Athena is associated with weaving and crafts. In Hesiod’s creation sequence, however, Hephaestus performs the shaping. Athena contributes to Pandora’s appearance and clothing, while Hermes is associated with speech and a deceptive nature.