In the Pandora myth, Athena dressed Pandora in a shining white robe.
Hesiod describes the gods preparing Pandora before her presentation to humanity. Athena, the goddess associated with wisdom, warfare, and crafts, clothes Pandora in a bright garment. The clothing contributes to Pandora’s impressive and appealing appearance, reinforcing the story’s theme of a dangerous gift made attractive.
Athena’s contribution is part of a larger sequence. Hephaestus forms Pandora, Aphrodite adds beauty and desirability, Hermes supplies deceptive qualities, and other divine figures contribute ornaments or skills. The exact wording differs between translations of Hesiod, but Athena’s role in dressing Pandora is a recurring detail.
Athena is sometimes confused with Aphrodite because both are associated with Pandora’s attractiveness in modern summaries. Aphrodite contributes charm or desirability; Athena is associated with the robe and aspects of adornment and craftsmanship.