According to Greek mythology, Pandora was the first woman put on earth and was a result of Prometheus the Titan disobeying Zeus. Prometheus stole fire from the hearths of the Gods at Olympus and gave it to mankind; he also tricked Zeus into permitting humans have the bigger and better portion of the sacrifice. A direct result of all the misadventures of Prometheus was the creation of Pandora, who was meant to be the ultimate ‘gift’ to mankind.
To punish humanity for accepting Prometheus’ gifts, Zeus got Hephaestus to create a woman and asked each of the gods to bestow their gifts on her. Aphrodite gave her beauty; Hermes gave her charm and cunning while Athena gave her skills like weaving. In some versions of the myth, the name “Pandora” is said to mean “all-gifted,” reflecting the many gifts she received from the gods. Zeus further gave her a mysterious jar which she was advised never to open and presented her as the bride to the foolish brother of Prometheus, Epimetheus.
However, when she closed the jar, one thing remained inside, Hope, in some versions of the myth, it is implied that hope was trapped inside the jar with all the other evils, while in others; it was the last thing to escape. This was seen as both a blessing and a curse: while humans would endure suffering, they would also have hope to help them persevere.
Suffering and the human condition
The most immediate and striking consequence of Pandora’s actions is the release of all the evils that afflict humanity: disease, war, poverty, jealousy, and death.
The myth suggests that suffering is an inherent part of the human condition, and that these afflictions were released into the world as a result of Pandora’s disobedience. This theme reflects the ancient Greeks’ understanding of the inevitability of suffering and hardship in life.
Hope as both a blessing and a curse
Perhaps the most powerful theme in the Pandora myth is the concept of hope. After Pandora closes the jar, hope is left inside, and some interpretations suggest that hope remains as a counterbalance to all the evils unleashed into the world.
However, it’s ambiguous whether hope is entirely a positive force. Some versions of the myth imply that hope might not fully alleviate the suffering that humanity faces, or that it could even be a cruel reminder of the gap between suffering and relief. This dual nature of hope — offering comfort but also perpetuating longing and uncertainty — is a profound commentary on human psychology and existence.
The role of the Gods in human Life
The Gods’ involvement in the creation of Pandora and the subsequent release of evils highlights the tension between divine power and human autonomy.
Gender and responsibility
Pandora is often seen as a figure that bears the brunt of the consequences of human suffering, despite being created by the gods for that very purpose. Some interpretations of the myth focus on the role of gender in the story, particularly how Pandora, as the first woman, becomes the scapegoat for the ills of the world. The myth can be read as a reflection of ancient Greek views on women and their perceived roles in bringing misfortune or temptation into the world. However, more modern interpretations might explore how the myth reveals the ways in which women have been historically blamed for broader societal ills.
The dual nature of human existence
The contrast between the evils released into the world and the hope that remains offers a more philosophical theme about the dual nature of existence. The story emphasizes that life is full of joy and sorrow, success and failure, love and pain.
Hope, though it doesn’t erase suffering, provides a reason to keep going despite adversity. The myth suggests that human life is a delicate balance between despair and hope, and that this balance defines the human experience.
The relationship between mortals and immortals
The myth highlights the gulf between gods and humans. The Gods, with their power and omniscience, impose consequences on mortals without fully considering or caring about their suffering. Pandora’s creation and subsequent actions show how mortals are often at the mercy of divine whims.
