Variations of Pandora's Jar

The two versions that I used for the story of Pandora were Hesiod Theogony and Hesiod Days and Works. Although written by the same author they do vary slightly. In Hesiod's Theogony lines 502-562 and 585-602, tr. M. West (Oxford 1988) there is more of a focus on the reasons for the creation of Pandora. This version goes into more detail about Prometheus angering Zeus by tricking him into taking the offering that was bigger but was really bones covered in fat. Zeus then to punish Prometheus took away fire from people, Zeus knew this would anger as Prometheus is said to have created people. Prometheus then stole fire off Zeus giving it back to people. Zeus then decided to punish him and mankind by creating Pandora as a wife for Prometheus' brother Epimetheus. This version doesn't go into much detail about the jar but refers to the Pandora and women as the trap and talks about how they are an affliction to men and the world.

In Hesiod's Days and Works lines 42-68 and 83-105, tr. M. West the focus is more on the creation of attributes of Pandora. It goes into detail about how she was created and given characteristics from the different goddesses and gods. This version has more reference to the jar and the releasing of the grim cares and trapping only hope still in the jar. It also sums up to main message of the myth that Zeus is all powerful and that his providence cannot be escaped.