In which ancient Greek poem does Hesiod tell the story of Pandora and her container?

Hesiod tells the story of Pandora and her container in Works and Days.

Works and Days is an archaic Greek poem traditionally attributed to Hesiod, probably composed around the seventh century BCE. It combines advice about farming and justice with myths explaining the human condition, including the story of Pandora. In the poem, Zeus has Pandora made as part of his punishment of humanity after Prometheus steals fire.

The poem describes the container as a large storage jar, called a pithos in Greek, rather than a small modern box. Later retellings and translations helped make “Pandora’s box” the familiar expression. Hesiod’s account is one of the earliest surviving literary versions of the story.

Hesiod also mentions Pandora in the Theogony, but Works and Days gives the fuller narrative about her creation, the gifts she receives, and the release of troubles. The two poems should not be treated as identical retellings: their details and emphasis differ.