In Hesiod’s Pandora myth, Pandora opened the container that released its contents.
Hesiod’s Works and Days says that Pandora, overcome by curiosity, removed the lid of the storage jar in her household. The contents then escaped into the world, leaving only hope inside. Hesiod does not describe the object as a small wooden box; the later “box” image developed through translation and artistic tradition.
Pandora’s action is part of Zeus’s punishment of humanity. After Prometheus obtained fire for humans, Zeus arranged for Pandora to be created and sent to Epimetheus, Prometheus’s brother. Epimetheus accepted her despite Prometheus’s warning not to accept gifts from Zeus.
Modern retellings often portray Pandora as deliberately disobedient or malicious, but the ancient account emphasizes her curiosity and the gods’ broader plan. The story is also distinct from the separate myth of Prometheus, who is punished for stealing fire.