20 Questions
Who is Pandora and what did she do that caused trouble for everyone around her?
Pandora opened the windows and doors to try and get rid of an ugly swarm, which resulted in the release of the winged Troubles that pestered and tormented people everywhere.
What effect did the release of the winged Troubles have on the people?
The winged Troubles caused people to be pestered and tormented, leading to sadness and tears. The children of the earth, who had seemed ageless, started aging and no one smiled for many days afterward.
How did Epimetheus and Pandora react after the release of the winged Troubles?
Epimetheus sat down sullenly in a corner with his back to Pandora, while Pandora flung herself upon the floor and rested her head on the fatal box, crying as if her heart would break.
What unexpected event occurred while Pandora was crying?
There was a gentle little tap on the inside of the lid of the fatal box, indicating an unexpected development.
Who sent Pandora to be Epimetheus's playfellow and helpmate?
Zeus
What was the first thing Pandora saw when she entered Epimetheus's cottage?
a great box
Why did Epimetheus ask Pandora not to ask any questions about the box?
It was a secret and meant to be kept safely
What was the state of the world when Epimetheus and Pandora lived according to the myths?
There were no fathers or mothers to take care of the children, no danger or trouble, no need for labor, and always plenty to eat and drink
Who left the box at the door?
Hermes
What was the appearance of Hermes?
distinctive
What did Pandora believe the box might contain?
nice things
What did Pandora notice on the lid of the box?
a mischievous face
What did Pandora find on the box's craftsmanship?
intricate carvings
What did Pandora attempt to do with the box?
open it
What happened when Pandora untied the knot and opened the box?
a dark cloud swept across the sun and a thunderstorm broke out
What kind of creatures escaped from the box?
winged creatures and ugly little shapes
What were the earthly Troubles that escaped from the box?
evil Passions, Sorrows, and Diseases
What was the purpose of keeping Troubles in the box?
to prevent them from afflicting humanity
What does the myth of Pandora's Box serve as?
a cautionary tale about the consequences of curiosity and the unleashing of troubles into the world
What does the story of Pandora's Box warn about?
the potential dangers of releasing negative forces and the importance of restraint and self-control
Study Notes
The Myth of Pandora's Box
- Pandora suggests opening the box, despite Epimetheus' horror at the idea, but decides not to mention it again
- The box was left at the door by Hermes, who had a distinctive appearance and brought Pandora to the house
- Epimetheus and Pandora speculate about the box's contents, with Pandora believing it might contain nice things
- Epimetheus goes to gather figs and grapes, leaving Pandora alone with the box
- Pandora examines the box's beautiful craftsmanship, including intricate carvings and a mischievous face on the lid
- Pandora's curiosity leads her to attempt to open the box, but it is heavy and has a complex golden knot
- She accidentally unties the knot and opens the box, causing a dark cloud to sweep across the sun and a thunderstorm to break out
- Winged creatures and ugly little shapes escape from the box, stinging and afflicting both Pandora and Epimetheus
- The ugly things that escape from the box are revealed to be earthly Troubles, including evil Passions, Sorrows, and Diseases
- These Troubles were meant to be kept safely in the box to prevent them from afflicting humanity
- The myth of Pandora's Box is a cautionary tale about the consequences of curiosity and the unleashing of troubles into the world
- The story serves as a warning about the potential dangers of releasing negative forces and the importance of restraint and self-control
Test your knowledge of the myth of Pandora's Box with this quiz. Explore the details of Pandora's curiosity, the contents of the box, and the consequences of her actions. Delve into the cautionary tale and its moral lessons.
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