Pandora

Pandora was the first woman, according to Greek mythology. Zeus, the head god of Greek mythology, created her to punish mankind for the behavior of Prometheus, who stole fire and gave it to the humans.

Gifts

Pandora was given several "perfect" gifts by the gods. Aphrodite gave her femininity, while Hephaestus created her out of clay, in perfect form. Athena taught her how to craft objects while Zeus taught her deceit and curiosity.

Pandora's Box

Mankind had not yet learned of evil during this time, according to Greek mythology. Pandora's box contained all of the evils of the world. It was given to her as a gift by the Greek gods, who told her it could never be opened under any circumstance.

Opening

Pandora, while living with Prometheus' brother Epimetheus, couldn't contain her curiosity and opened the box. All the evils in the box escaped and could never be contained again, thus infecting mankind with the potential for evil and damnation.

Comparison

This myth is similar to the story of Adam and Eve, as Eve eats the forbidden fruit and damns humanity in one swift, irreversible moment. The Romans adapted the Pandora myth into their Fraus (goddess of treachery) myth.

Source:

Greek Myths: Pandora's Box

Thanasis: Pandora

Think Quest: Pandora's Box