In Greek mythology, Pandora was the first woman on earth. Zeus ordered Hephaestus, the god of craftsmanship, to create her and he did using water and earth. The gods endowed her with many talents. Aphrodite gave her beauty, Apollo music, Hermes persuasion, and so forth. Hence her name: Pandora, “all-gifted”.
When Prometheus stole fire from heaven, Zeus took vengeance by presenting Pandora to Epimetheus, Prometheus’ brother. With her, Pandora had a jar which she was not to open under any circumstance. Impelled by her natural curiosity, Pandora opened the jar and all evil contained escaped and spread over the earth. She hastened to close the lid but the whole contents of the jar had escaped, except for one thing which lay at the bottom, and that was Hope.
Painting: Pandora by John William Waterhouse
“Pandora” Encyclopedia Mythica Online
[Accessed August 01, 2006]
giving anyone a jar like this, is simply not fair…
who wouldn’t want to peek at some point?
love this post…
gorgeous image as well…
Thank you, hNAV. I love John William Waterhouse’s paintings. And yes, I would be curious, too, especially if they said “Don’t”!
This is a socio-political commentary on Hillary’s run for Pres in ’08. Isn’t it?
Stew (running away FAST!)
Ooohhh, never thought of that, Stew! I’ll have to make sure hNAV sees your comment (site name is “Hillary Needs a Vacation”)!
I love Waterhouse, and I used to be completely immersed in Greek mythology, growing up. Sometimes, it is better to curb our curiosities. We don’t need to know everything, especially in matters of national security interests (*cough*NewYorkTimes*cough*).
Word, you are so right…about the curiosity part! And on Waterhouse and mythology…I’m right there with you.
I thought that when Pandora opened the box, the sounds of Aerosmith came out!! LOL
That probably came first, LB!