In Hesiod’s account, Hermes gives Pandora a deceptive mind and a lying nature.
After Zeus orders Pandora’s creation, several gods contribute qualities to her. Hesiod’s Works and Days describes Hermes as giving her a shameless mind and a lying nature, helping make her a dangerous gift to humanity.
The myth is not a single modern-style story with one standardized list of contributions in every retelling. Hesiod’s wording and later artistic interpretations differ, which can lead to confusion about which deity supplied which trait.
Hermes is associated with messages, travel, trade, and trickery in Greek mythology. In this episode, his contribution emphasizes speech and deception. He is distinct from Hephaestus, who is associated with fashioning Pandora’s body from earth.