Which Greek god is said to have taught Pandora deceitful speech in Hesiod’s Works and Days?

The story behind the answer

In Hesiod’s Works and Days, Hermes is said to have taught Pandora deceitful speech. The account presents Pandora as a constructed figure whose qualities are supplied by several gods rather than as an ordinary mortal woman.

Hermes is the messenger and herald of the gods, but Greek mythology also associates him with cunning, persuasion, boundaries, and trickery. In the Pandora story, his contribution fits the poem’s portrayal of her as a beautiful but dangerous gift sent by Zeus. The wording is part of Hesiod’s strongly gendered moral framework and should be understood in its ancient literary context.

Other gods contribute different attributes. Hephaestus makes Pandora from earth, while divine figures provide clothing, ornaments, and other qualities. Modern retellings often reduce the whole process to “the gods gave her gifts,” but the individual assignments help explain her name and role.

Hermes should not be confused with Prometheus, who warns Epimetheus, or with Hephaestus, who fashions Pandora’s body. Those three figures perform distinct roles in the creation episode.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Oct. 2026

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