Creation of Pandora from "summary" of The Library of Greek Mythology by Apollodorus
Pandora was created by the gods of ancient Greece with the intention of punishing mankind. She was the first woman, given to humanity as a gift, but she brought with her a box that contained all the world's evils and sorrows.- In Greek mythology, Pandora is depicted as both something ultimately destructive for humanity, yet also nurturing in that no greater gift can be offered than hope – a precious recompense after opening the box of sorrows.
- According to mythological stories, the creation of Pandora is seen as an event that marks the beginning of life as we know it: fragile, tinged with joy and pain, and ever-changing, very much like how the gods had intended it.
- Since then, history has kept records of the turmoil following after Pandora's opening of the box, but also stories passed down about her compassionate nature which showed remorse when she saw the state of the world after innocently unlocking the mysterious box.
- The beginning of mankind had a turbulent start with the creation of Pandora. As part of Zeus' plan to punish man for stealing fire, he created the first woman out of clay and water.
- After the curse given to mankind through Pandora’s box opened, human beings became aware of their own mortality and the unpredictable consequences of failing to abide by the gods' laws.
- Her dowry was a box or jar filled with great evils - such as sickness, enmity, and death. Despite her beauty that charmed men even though they were warned by Prometheus not to accept her, she could never keep this box safe in time.
- Thus, in Greek mythology, Pandora serves as anegodic heroine, urging us to search for silver linings even in our bleakest moments.
- Later when she tried to open the box, thanks to the curiosities, all misfortunes flew away and the only thing left in the box was hope. But from then on, the world has been devastated by pests, famine, disease, and death.
- She was beautiful as Aphrodite; she received gifts from all of the gods like Athena who taught her weaving, Hera who gave her clothing, Hermes who provided speech, and more.
- Moreover, it is said that the way some humans chose to cope with the newfound suffering sparked the dawn of creativity and resourcefulness. Daily struggles slowly developed into rituals of gratitude and worship to deities responsible for such event.
