In Hesiod’s myth, which Greek god crafts Pandora’s body from clay?

In Hesiod’s myth, Hephaestus crafts Pandora’s body from clay.

Hephaestus is the Greek god of fire, metalworking, smithing, and craftsmanship. Zeus orders him to make Pandora’s form, and the god shapes her from earth or clay. Other deities then contribute qualities, clothing, ornaments, or abilities, creating the figure whose name reflects her many divine gifts.

This episode connects Pandora with Hephaestus’s traditional role as a divine artisan. Greek mythology often presents him as the maker of exceptional objects and beings, including weapons and armor for gods and heroes. His involvement also creates an ironic link between the myth’s creation story and the fire associated with Prometheus.

Later retellings frequently compress the scene into “the gods created Pandora,” which is broadly accurate but loses the specific division of labor. Hesiod names Hephaestus as the craftsman who forms her, while the other gods supply additional gifts.