Pandora's Box

In the ancient land of the Greek gods live two brothers: Epimetheus and Prometheus. They are good friends. One day, Prometheus gets in trouble with the king of the gods, Zeus. Zeus is determined not to let humans get too powerful; with this in mind, he declares that humans shall not receive the gift of fire. Prometheus, however, has compassion for humans.

He knows they need fire to cook and stay warm. So, against Zeus’ will, Prometheus gives humans the secret of fire. Zeus is furious. He chains Prometheus to a rock far away in the mountains, where no-one will ever find him. Every day, Zeus sends an eagle to feast on Prometheus’ liver, which grows back each time, so that Prometheus can never escape his torture.

Still Zeus’ anger is not satisfied. He believes humans should be punished too, for accepting Prometheus’ gift. He devises a plan of revenge. First, Zeus orders the craftsman god, Hephaestus, to make him a daughter. She will be the first woman on earth.

Hephaestus sets to work, sculpting a beautiful woman. He brings her to life and takes her to Zeus. Zeus names his daughter: Pandora. Zeus knows that Epimetheus is lonely without his brother. He tells Epimetheus that Prometheus had to be chained to a rock as punishment.

But, he continues, he feels sorry that this has left Epimetheus without his companion. That’s why he’s decided to give Pandora to Epimetheus as a wife! Epimetheus has been warned not to accept unexpected gifts from the gods. And yet, he can’t help himself. Epimetheus falls for Pandora at first sight.

Zeus gives the newlyweds a gift. It is a locked box. Attached is a key, along with a note that says, “DO NOT OPEN”. For days, Pandora cannot take her eyes off the box. Her mind wanders to its contents.

What treasures are so great that they are never to be looked upon? And why have they been left in her care? Eventually, Pandora’s curiosity overwhelms her. Quietly, she takes the key and turns it in the box’s lock. Slowly, she lifts the lid.

Flying out come greed, hate, envy, disease — all the evil things in the world! Pandora slams down the lid… but it is too late. The troubles she has released will curse the humans of the world forever. Epimetheus hears his wife weeping. He comes running and sees at once what she has done.

As he comforts Pandora, Epimetheus hears a soft voice coming from the box. He lifts the lid. A warm ball of light rises out and flutters away. Epimetheus smiles — he knows it is hope set free to roam among the evils of the world. For the ancient Greeks, the story of Pandora’s box is a way to understand why so many troubles exist in the world.

Still today, it serves as a reminder of the consequences of tampering with the unknown. But Pandora’s burning curiosity also points to the instinctive human desire to know and understand the world around us. What do you think? Are we destined to investigate everything we don’t know, or are there some mysteries better left unsolved?