In Hesiod’s Theogony, Prometheus is blamed for deceiving Zeus before Pandora’s creation.
The deception concerns the division of an ox sacrifice at Mecone. Prometheus arranged the portions so that the less desirable bones appeared attractive beneath fat, while the edible meat was concealed inside the stomach. Zeus recognized the trick but chose the bones, and Hesiod connects the episode with the later withholding of fire from humans.
Prometheus then stole fire and returned it to humanity. Zeus responded by ordering the creation of Pandora, whose arrival forms part of the punishment directed at humans. This sequence is related to, but not identical with, the version in Works and Days.
Prometheus is often described as humanity’s benefactor, yet Hesiod’s account also presents him as a challenger of Zeus whose actions help trigger the chain of punishments associated with Pandora.