Story Summary
Discover the myth of Epimetheus and Pandora, where a forbidden jar releases world hardships, leaving only hope behind. A tale of curiosity and consequence.
After Prometheus stole fire from Olympus, Zeus plotted a subtle revenge. He commanded Hephaestus to fashion the first woman, Pandora, and endowed her with gifts from every god. Despite warnings from his brother Prometheus to never accept a gift from Zeus, the Titan Epimetheus—whose name means 'Afterthought'—was captivated by Pandora's beauty and took her as his wife. Pandora brought with her a mysterious, sealed jar, a wedding gift she was strictly forbidden to open. For a time, they lived in harmony, but Pandora’s divinely implanted curiosity eventually overcame her. She lifted the lid, and instantly, a swarm of miseries—sickness, toil, and strife—escaped to plague humanity forever. Terrified, she slammed the lid shut, but it was too late. Only one thing remained trapped at the very bottom of the jar: Hope, the singular comfort meant to sustain mankind through the hardships she had unleashed.
The Moral
Unchecked curiosity and the failure to heed warnings can bring unforeseen suffering, yet hope remains as a constant source of strength.
“Hope alone remained within, the only comfort for the sorrows of mankind.”
Fun Fact
The 'box' was actually a large clay storage jar; the error happened when Erasmus of Rotterdam translated the Greek 'pithos' into the Latin 'pyxis' (box).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Epimetheus and Pandora?
The story warns that actions taken without foresight can lead to irreversible consequences. However, it also teaches that no matter how much suffering exists, hope is always available to help humanity endure.
Why did Zeus create Pandora?
Zeus created Pandora as a form of 'beautiful evil' to punish mankind and the Titans. It was his retribution for Prometheus stealing the secret of fire from the gods.
Was it a box or a jar that Pandora opened?
In the original Greek texts, it was a 'pithos,' which is a large storage jar. The idea of it being a 'box' originated from a 16th-century mistranslation by the scholar Erasmus of Rotterdam.
What does the name Epimetheus mean?
Epimetheus means 'Afterthought' in Greek, reflecting his tendency to act before thinking. This contrasts with his brother Prometheus, whose name means 'Forethought.'
What remained inside the jar after it was opened?
After the evils of the world escaped, only 'Elpis' remained caught under the rim. Elpis is usually translated as 'Hope,' though some scholars interpret it as the 'expectation of evil.'
Who gave Pandora her curiosity?
Pandora was crafted by Hephaestus, but many gods contributed to her nature. Hermes, the messenger god, is often credited with giving her a 'shameful mind and a deceitful nature,' which included her insatiable curiosity.