In Hesiod’s Pandora story, Hermes gave Pandora the power of speech. This gift appears in the account of her creation in Hesiod’s Works and Days, where Zeus orders the gods to make Pandora as part of his punishment of humanity after Prometheus steals fire.
Pandora’s name means “all-gifted” or “all-giving,” reflecting the many contributions attributed to the gods. Hephaestus formed her from earth, Athena gave her clothing and instruction, and other deities supplied ornaments and qualities. Hermes’ role specifically includes giving her a voice and teaching her deceptive or misleading behavior in some translations.
This detail is often confused with the broader claim that Hermes created Pandora. In Hesiod’s story, Hephaestus is the craftsman who shapes her, while Hermes is one of several gods who equips her. The exact wording differs between translations, but Hermes’ association with her speech is stable.