In Hesiod’s Works and Days, Pandora was initially called “woman” before receiving the name Pandora. The poem first describes her as a maiden fashioned by the gods, then explains the meaning of her name.
The Greek name Pandora is usually connected with pan, “all,” and doron, “gift.” Hesiod’s wording presents her as receiving gifts from the gods, although scholars discuss the exact nuance of the name. The story’s naming sequence emphasizes that she is a newly created figure rather than a pre-existing goddess.
Modern retellings often introduce her immediately as Pandora, which hides this detail from the original narrative. They also tend to focus on the opened container and the surviving hope. Hesiod’s poem, however, spends substantial attention on her appearance, adornment, divine gifts, and the consequences of her arrival among humans.