Copyright - 1993 Grolier Electronic Publishing, Inc.
{pan-dohr'-uh}
In Greek mythology, Pandora (meaning "all gifted") was the first woman on Earth, created by Zeus to plague mankind. The gods bestowed on her such gifts as beauty and charm but also gave her great curiosity. Zeus, seeking to punish man for accepting the gift of fire that Prometheus stole from heaven, gave Pandora a box containing all the troubles and diseases that the world now knows. She was warned not to open the box, but her curiosity overcame her. Only Hope remained inside the box as she quickly closed the lid again.