In the Greek myth behind Pandora’s box, Pandora opened the container that released its contents. Hesiod’s Works and Days describes her lifting the lid and allowing destructive troubles to spread among mortals.
Pandora was created by the gods and sent to Epimetheus, Prometheus’ brother. Although Prometheus had warned Epimetheus not to accept gifts from Zeus, Epimetheus welcomed Pandora. The opening of the jar then becomes the central turning point of the myth.
Later artistic and literary traditions often portray Pandora as motivated by curiosity. Hesiod’s surviving account is more compressed and does not develop a modern psychological portrait in detail. The familiar phrase “Pandora’s box” also reflects later retelling, since the ancient story used a jar rather than a small box.