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Dromo's Den
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[Up] [Dromo's Den] Pandora Biography PANDORA, an individual mentioned by Hesiod in Greek mythology as the first woman. It is related that she was formed out of clay by Vulcan at the request of Jupiter, who designed her for the purpose of punishing Prometheus, because the latter had stolen fire from heaven and brought it to earth. The gods immediately vied in making her presents. Mercury bestowed on her a smooth and persuasive tongue; the Graces made her fascinating; Minerva gifted her with the possession of feminine accomplishments; Aphrodite gave her beauty and the art of pleasing; and she was named Pandora because she possessed all gifts necessary to make her charming and irresistible. The gift from Jupiter was a box filled with unconquerable evils, which was intended for Prometheus, but his brother, Epimetheus, became charmed by Pandora's beauty and accepted it as a present. On opening the box all the ills and diseases that now afflict mankind escaped. However, hope lay at the bottom, and before it could escape Pandora hastily closed the lid. It is due to her that hope is preserved to man as a never-failing solace. Though many ills confront him in every walk of life, hope springs eternal in the human breast. The Teachers' and Pupils' Cyclopędia, Vol. III (Kansas City: Bufton Book Co., 1909) 1360. |