Pandora's Box in Greek Mythology
The phrase «The Pandora Box» is one of those expressions that are found in modern language and have their roots in Greek mythology, as are the expressions «The touch of Midas» and «ear the Greeks, even when they bring gifts».
Today, the term «Pandora Box» is generally used to describe the source of problems or a gift that is actually a curse. In Greek mythology, however, there was a real, material «Pandora Box».
Pandora's jar
Based on the ancient Greek myth, it would be more appropriate to talk about «Pandora pithar» and not for box, as the original Greek word was jar, meaning large storage vessel.
Pitharia, like amphorae, were common vessels in ancient times for storing and transporting goods.
The transition from «Pandora pithar» in «Pandora Box» It was only in the 16th century AD, when Erasmus of Rotterdam, in his work Adagia (1508), translated the word pithos as pyxis, i.e. container with lid or box.
The Pandora Box
As the name states, Pandora's Box belonged to Pandora, the first mortal woman. Created by Hephaestus by clay, he lived with Zeus' will and was endowed with various gifts from the rest of the gods of Olympus.
Pandora was meant to be Titan's wife Epithea and brought with her to the wedding a box that Zeus had given her, but with strict order not to open it.
The Punishment of People
Pandora, however, was not a beneficial gift of the gods to Epimetheus, but part of the punishment that Zeus had designed for mankind.
His brother Epimetheus, Prometheus, had stolen the fire from the lab of Hephaestus and gave it to the people, so that they would never get cold again. Moreover, he had taught people how to make sacrifices, keeping for themselves the best part of animals and leaving the remnants to the gods.
For these crimes, Prometheus was harshly punished, bound for centuries to a mountain in the Caucasus. Pandora, however, was part of a more complex plan by Zeus to punish humanity.
The Opening of Pandora Box
Pandora brought to her wedding not only the box, but also curiosity. — One of the features that goddess Hera had given her.
Despite Jupiter's warning, Pandora felt strongly the desire to see what was hiding inside the box. Finally, curiosity prevailed and, slightly lifting the cap (or removing the cap), tried to take a look inside.
Without knowing it, the gods of Olympus had imprisoned in the box all suffering: toil, war, greed, disease and pain — things unknown until then to people. Although the box opened only a little, the opening was enough to release all these evils in the world. In the end, only one thing left in the Pandora Box: Hope.
Consequences for Humanity
After the Pandora Box was opened, people were forced to work hard to survive, toil in the fields and face injuries, diseases and diseases for the first time.
This generation of people came to an end with the coming of the Great Flood. However, Pandora's daughter, Pyrra, and Prometheus' son, Deucalion, survived. Nevertheless, mankind’s suffering continued.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pandora’s Box
1. What's Pandora's Box?
The Pandora Box is a mythical object of Greek mythology, which was given to Pandora by the gods. When he opened it, all the sufferings of mankind were released, while only Hope remained inside.
2. Who was Pandora?
The Pandora is considered the first woman in Greek mythology. Created by Hephaestus at his command Zeus as punishment for people, after the theft of fire by Prometheus.
3. Was it really a box or something?
In his original narrative Hesiod, the object was not a box but a jar. The concept of «box» arose later, mainly due to translation error during the Renaissance.
4. Why did Zeus create Pandora?
THE zeus He wanted to punish people because Prometheus He gave them fire, symbol of knowledge and culture.
5. What suffering was released from the box?
According to legend, when the box was opened, diseases, pain, old age, toil, and all forms of evil that torments mankind spread.
6. What does Hope Stay inside symbolize?
Hope symbolizes the power of man to continue despite difficulties. There are different interpretations: others see it as a comfort, while others as an illusion that keeps man on hold.
7. Who recorded Pandora's myth?
The most famous version of the myth comes from his works Hesiod, particularly from «Theogenia» and «Works and Days».
8. What is the relationship between the myth and Prometheus?
The myth of Pandora is a continuation of its history Prometheus, who stole the fire from zeus to give it to people.
9. How the phrase is used today «Open Pandora's box»?
In modern language, the phrase means that an action can cause chained and uncontrolled consequences.
10. What is the basic message of the myth?
The myth highlights the concepts of curiosity, punishment, human weakness and hope as a necessary element of survival.
