Greek Mythology: Pandora
The Story of Pandora:
Pandora was the first woman created in Greek mythology, formed by the gods out of clay. Originally, the gods put the Titan Prometheus in charge of the creating mankind. Prometheus was displeased with the gods and stole fire from heaven. Zeus became angry, and commanded Hephaistos and other gods to create a woman. They formed the woman out of clay and she was named Pandora, and was both beautiful and clever. Zeus presented Pandora to Prometheus’ younger brother Epimetheus, who was unintelligent compared to Prometheus. Epimetheus married Pandora into his house. Zeus gave Pandora a box/jar as a wedding gift and instructed her not to open it. Eventually, Pandora surrendered to her curiosity and opened the box/jar. In doing so, she released a swarm of evil spirits that were inside, which brought plague and suffering upon mankind. Only hope remained in the box/jar. This was a small blessing amongst the great suffering of mankind.
Analysis:
The story of Pandora in Greek mythology explains the creation of women and the introduction of evil and suffering into the world. Although the characters and events in the story were mythical, the story contains a deeper truth. The story recognizes that evil and suffering exist in the world due to the uncontrollable curiosity of women, although it was a man that gave Pandora the box/jar in the first place. The Greeks used this story to pinpoint a specific cause to the evil and suffering in the world, and emphasize that women’s natural curiosity can be dangerous. This myth is important to society because it shows what the Ancient Greeks thought of women and how they perceived their curiosity. It also gives insight into their thoughts and how they believed evil and suffering entered the world. This myth is significant and explains a great deal about the Greek’s perception of the world.
Pandora was the first woman created in Greek mythology, formed by the gods out of clay. Originally, the gods put the Titan Prometheus in charge of the creating mankind. Prometheus was displeased with the gods and stole fire from heaven. Zeus became angry, and commanded Hephaistos and other gods to create a woman. They formed the woman out of clay and she was named Pandora, and was both beautiful and clever. Zeus presented Pandora to Prometheus’ younger brother Epimetheus, who was unintelligent compared to Prometheus. Epimetheus married Pandora into his house. Zeus gave Pandora a box/jar as a wedding gift and instructed her not to open it. Eventually, Pandora surrendered to her curiosity and opened the box/jar. In doing so, she released a swarm of evil spirits that were inside, which brought plague and suffering upon mankind. Only hope remained in the box/jar. This was a small blessing amongst the great suffering of mankind.
Analysis:
The story of Pandora in Greek mythology explains the creation of women and the introduction of evil and suffering into the world. Although the characters and events in the story were mythical, the story contains a deeper truth. The story recognizes that evil and suffering exist in the world due to the uncontrollable curiosity of women, although it was a man that gave Pandora the box/jar in the first place. The Greeks used this story to pinpoint a specific cause to the evil and suffering in the world, and emphasize that women’s natural curiosity can be dangerous. This myth is important to society because it shows what the Ancient Greeks thought of women and how they perceived their curiosity. It also gives insight into their thoughts and how they believed evil and suffering entered the world. This myth is significant and explains a great deal about the Greek’s perception of the world.