Pandora is the first woman created in Greek mythology as part of Zeus’s punishment for humanity.
Hesiod presents Pandora as a consequence of Prometheus’s theft of fire for humans. Zeus ordered the gods to create her, and each contributed something to her appearance, abilities, or personality. The story therefore connects the arrival of women, suffering, and the release of evils with the conflict between Zeus and Prometheus.
The name Pandora is commonly explained as “all-gifted” or “gifted by all,” because the gods collectively supplied her attributes. She is not originally described as an inherently evil figure. Instead, the myth frames her as a beautiful and dangerous gift sent to humanity.
Later retellings often focus almost exclusively on the jar and blame Pandora for opening it. Hesiod’s version is more layered: Zeus’s plan, the gods’ contributions, and Prometheus’s defiance all shape the narrative. The familiar phrase “Pandora’s box” comes from later tradition, while the ancient story uses a jar.