After the theft of fire, Zeus grew increasingly hostile toward humanity. He ordered his son Hephaestus to create a beautiful maiden from clay. The gods and goddesses bestowed gifts upon her: Athena gave her fine robes, and Hermes granted her the skill of deception. This first woman, named Pandora, received gifts from each deity, all of which were harmful to men.
Zeus decided to send her to Earth as a "gift." Hermes delivered her to Epimetheus, Prometheus's brother. Captivated by her beauty, Epimetheus welcomed her into his home, forgetting his brother's warning never to accept anything from Zeus. For a time, they lived happily, but trouble soon befell humanity.
Prometheus had left a large jar (often called a "box") in Epimetheus's care, warning him never to open it. Pandora, consumed by curiosity, was frustrated by her husband's prohibition. One day, while Epimetheus was away, she lifted the lid. Out flew all the world's evils—unrest, war, plague, sickness, theft, violence, grief, and sorrow. Humanity was thus doomed to endure these sufferings. Only Hope remained inside the jar, never escaping. Therefore, hope always stays within the human heart.