Pandora in the ancient sources

Ancient Sources / Figures / Pandora

5 passages from 5 ancient authors that tell of Pandora, in the original with English translation, author by author in the order the Greeks read them. Pandora was the first human woman in Greek mythology. She was created by the gods Hephaestus and Athena, following the instructions of Zeus, who wante... For the story in one place, read our article on Pandora.

Hesiod (1)

Hesiod, Works and Days 40–104Prometheus, fire and Pandora (40-104)The gods keep the means of life hidden from men, and Zeus hides fire because Prometheus deceived him; Prometheus steals it back in a fennel-stalk. As the price for fire Zeus has Hephaestus mould a maiden, whom Athena, Aphrodite, Hermes and the Graces equip with skills, charm and a deceitful nature. She is named Pandora and sent to Epimetheus, who accepts her despite Prometheus's warning, and she lifts the lid of the jar and scatters evils among men, while Hope alone stays inside.

Pausanias (1)

Pausanias, Description of Greece 1.24.1–8Athens Acropolis: Zeus Polieus, the Parthenon and Phidias’ AthenaPausanias lists sculptures on the Acropolis showing Athena and Marsyas, Theseus and the bull, Phrixus, Hercules and the serpents, and Athena’s birth, and describes the ox sacrifice to Zeus Polieus. He then describes the Parthenon: the gable sculptures, Phidias’ ivory and gold Athena with her sphinx and griffin helmet, the Victory, shield, serpent and the birth of Pandora on the pedestal. He ends with the bronze Locust Apollo.

Nonnus of Panopolis (1)

Nonnus of Panopolis, Dionysiaca 7.0–66Book 7: Time begs Zeus to relieve mankindThe earth is peopled again after the flood, but human life is full of sorrow, and Time shows mankind's troubles to Zeus. Time kneels before him, says he is weary of pitying mortals, and offers to give up the rudder of the years. He complains that old age, early death and joyless weddings have no cure, and that neither Pandora's jar nor Prometheus's fire has helped.

Hyginus (1)

Hyginus, De astronomia 2.15.1–5Book 2: The Arrow and PrometheusThe Arrow is the one with which Heracles killed the eagle that tore at Prometheus. Hyginus uses it to tell the whole Prometheus story: the cheating at the sacrifice, the theft of fire, Pandora, the prophecy about Thetis that bought his release, and the origin of rings and crowns.

Palaephatus (1)

Palaephatus, On Unbelievable Tales 33–39Orpheus to CerberusFrom Orpheus leading Bacchae down with branches to Pandora’s cosmetics, the ash-tree race, a corrupt chapter on Heracles, the sea-monster Ceton, the Hydra as a fortress and Cerberus as a dog from Tricarenia. Chapter 36 is badly corrupt.