In Hesiod’s Works and Days, Hermes leads Pandora to Epimetheus.
Hermes is the messenger of the gods, so his role fits the movement of Pandora from the divine realm into the human world. Hesiod says Zeus commands Hermes to give Pandora speech and a deceptive nature before bringing her to Epimetheus. This makes Hermes more than a simple escort: he helps complete the qualities Zeus has ordered for the new woman.
Epimetheus accepts Pandora despite an earlier warning from his brother Prometheus. Their names are often interpreted as “afterthought” and “forethought,” respectively, and the contrast reinforces the poem’s theme of failing to anticipate consequences.
Hermes is frequently confused with Hephaestus in retellings. Hephaestus is associated with making Pandora’s body from clay, while Hermes is associated with speech, character, and delivering her to Epimetheus.