In Pandora’s myth, Prometheus stole fire for humanity before her creation.
Prometheus was a Titan known for helping humans. In Hesiod’s account, he deceived Zeus during a sacrificial division and later took fire for mortals, hiding it in a stalk and bringing it to humanity. Zeus responded by ordering the creation of Pandora as a punishment for the theft.
Prometheus’s name means “forethought,” and his brother Epimetheus means “afterthought.” That contrast matters in the story: Prometheus warns Epimetheus not to accept any gift from Zeus, but Epimetheus accepts Pandora anyway. The myth thus places Pandora within a chain of conflict between Zeus, Prometheus, and humanity.
Different ancient authors tell the Prometheus story with variations. The connection between stolen fire, divine punishment, and Pandora is especially important in Hesiod’s Works and Days. Later literature often makes Prometheus a heroic champion of humankind, emphasizing themes that are less sympathetic to him in Hesiod.