What did Zeus seek to punish humanity for when he sent Pandora in Greek mythology?

Zeus sought to punish humanity for Prometheus’s theft of fire when he sent Pandora in Greek mythology. Prometheus, a Titan who favored humans, tricked Zeus during a sacrificial division and later stole fire from the gods for human use. Zeus responded by arranging a separate punishment for humanity.

In Hesiod’s Works and Days, Zeus orders the gods to make Pandora, who is presented as an attractive and richly endowed woman. She is sent to Epimetheus, Prometheus’s brother, despite Prometheus’s warning not to accept gifts from Zeus. Pandora’s opening of the jar releases disease, toil, and other sufferings into the human world.

Different Greek and later traditions tell the Prometheus story with variations. Some emphasize his creation or protection of humans, while Hesiod’s account focuses strongly on conflict with Zeus and the consequences of fire. Pandora’s story is therefore linked to Prometheus, but she is not the person who steals the fire and does not independently create the punishment.