In Hesiod’s account of Pandora, which goddess gives her clothing and adornment?

The story behind the answer

In Hesiod’s account of Pandora, Athena gives her clothing and adornment.

The scene appears in the creation story told in Works and Days. Zeus orders the gods to prepare Pandora, and different deities contribute qualities or skills to the new woman. Athena, the goddess associated with wisdom, warfare, and crafts, dresses Pandora and teaches her handicraft.

Other gods also participate. Hephaestus shapes Pandora from earth, while Hermes gives her a deceptive or shameless character and a voice. Aphrodite contributes beauty, and the Graces and seasons provide further embellishment in Hesiod’s poetic description.

A common mix-up is to assign Pandora’s beauty entirely to Aphrodite. Aphrodite is part of the gift-making process, but Athena is specifically associated with Pandora’s clothing and craft instruction in the relevant Hesiodic account.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Oct. 2026

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