In Hesiod’s account, Hermes gives Pandora a misleading or persuasive voice.
Works and Days describes Pandora’s creation as a collaborative act directed by Zeus. Hephaestus forms her from earth, while other gods supply appearance, clothing, abilities, and qualities. Hermes is associated with giving her speech and a deceptive or shameless character.
The exact wording varies between translations because ancient Greek terms can be rendered differently. English versions may describe Pandora as having a “shameless mind,” a “lying tongue,” or a deceptive disposition. The consistent point is Hermes’s role in giving her speech connected with deception.
Hermes is an especially fitting figure for this role because Greek mythology associates him with communication, cunning, boundaries, and trickery. He should not be confused with Hephaestus, who is the divine craftsman responsible for shaping Pandora’s body from earth.