Works and Days is Hesiod’s poem that gives the fullest ancient account of Pandora and her jar. The poem combines mythological storytelling with practical and moral instruction aimed at a farming society.
Its Pandora episode appears in the context of Zeus’s punishment after Prometheus gives fire to humanity. The poem explains that Zeus has Pandora created and sends her to Epimetheus. When she opens the container, evils spread among humans, while hope remains inside.
Works and Days is not solely a mythological narrative. It includes advice about agriculture, sailing seasons, work, justice, family relationships, and religious observance. This mixture helps explain why Pandora’s story is embedded in a poem about human labor and the hardships of mortal life. The Theogony also mentions Pandora, but more briefly.