In Hesiod’s Greek mythology, Hermes gave Pandora deceptive speech.
Hesiod’s account presents Pandora as receiving a collection of attributes from different gods. Hermes, the divine messenger, is associated with giving her a deceptive mind and speech. This detail contributes to the story’s portrayal of Pandora as a carefully constructed instrument of Zeus’s punishment rather than simply an ordinary human woman.
Hermes is especially suited to the role because Greek mythology connects him with messages, persuasion, commerce, cunning, and boundary-crossing. His presence in Pandora’s creation does not mean he opened the vessel; Pandora herself performs that action in the familiar narrative.
Other gods also contribute to Pandora’s presentation. Hephaestus shapes her, Athena provides clothing and instruction, and Aphrodite gives beauty. Retellings often simplify these separate contributions, but Hesiod’s version distributes Pandora’s qualities across several divine figures.