In Hesiod’s Works and Days, Hermes placed Pandora’s voice inside her as part of Zeus’s plan.
Hesiod describes Pandora as a manufactured figure assembled through the contributions of several gods. Hephaestus shapes her from earth, Athena gives her instruction and clothing, and other gods provide qualities that make her attractive and persuasive. Hermes is specifically associated with giving her a shameless mind and a deceitful nature, and he places speech in her.
This detail helps explain why Pandora is more than a silent statue or a simple container-bearer. She is designed to interact with people and to appear appealing while carrying out Zeus’s punishment. The Greek text uses a divine gift of speech within this larger catalog of gifts.
Later art and retellings frequently compress the list of divine contributions. They may credit Hermes only with leading Pandora to Epimetheus, but Hesiod’s account gives him a more active role in shaping her character and communication.