In Hesiod’s Pandora myth, Hermes delivers Pandora to Epimetheus.
Zeus commands the creation of Pandora as part of his punishment of humanity after Prometheus steals fire. Hephaestus fashions her from earth, and several gods give her qualities or gifts. Hermes is then associated with giving her speech and a deceptive, crafty mind, and with leading or presenting her to Epimetheus.
Epimetheus is Prometheus’s brother. Although Prometheus warns him not to accept anything from Zeus, Epimetheus receives Pandora as a bride. Pandora later opens the sealed vessel and releases the troubles destined to afflict humanity.
The myth is told most fully in Hesiod’s Theogony and Works and Days. Different summaries sometimes simplify the sequence by saying that Zeus merely “sends” Pandora; Hermes is the named divine intermediary in the traditional account. Hermes is also the messenger god, making his role in conveying Pandora especially fitting.