Which Greek god fashioned Pandora from clay in Hesiod’s account?

Hephaestus fashioned Pandora from clay in Hesiod’s account.

In Works and Days, Zeus orders Hephaestus to create a woman as part of his punishment of humanity. Hephaestus, the divine smith and craftsman, shapes her form from earth. Other gods then contribute qualities or gifts, including clothing, adornment, skill, and persuasive speech. The name Pandora is conventionally understood as relating to “all-gifted” or “all-giving,” reflecting the story’s emphasis on divine contributions.

Hephaestus is especially appropriate for this role because Greek mythology associates him with metalworking, fire, invention, and the manufacture of divine objects. His work includes armor, weapons, jewelry, and automated servants in different myths.

The story is sometimes summarized as saying that Zeus personally created Pandora, but Hesiod assigns the physical making to Hephaestus. Zeus remains the authority who commands the act and designs the punishment. This division between creator and instigator is an important detail in the original narrative.