Pandora was the first mortal woman, created by Zeus as punishment for mankind. All the great gods gave her gifts. Athena breathed life into her and dressed her in elegant clothing, while Aphrodite covered her in jewels. Into Pandora’s mind, Zeus put insatiable curiosity, and then gave her a sealed box that he forbid her to open. She was offered in marriage to Epimetheus, who had been warned never to accept a gift from Zeus. But dazzled by her beauty, he could not resist, and thus she came to live among mortals.
Pandora was not perfectly happy, for she was consumed by curiosity about what was inside the box. One day, she opened the lid, and out flew all the miseries, sufferings, and evils that still plague humanity to this day. In horror, Pandora quickly closed the box. All that remained inside was Hope.