EPISODE 36

IN WHICH PANDORA, THE WORLD’S FIRST WOMAN, IS BORN

Previously: With Athena’s help, Prometheus has succeeded in stealing fire from the gods so he can offer it to mankind.

Never had Hermes seen Zeus so angry. When he had woken up that morning, Zeus had discovered that there were fires burning everywhere on earth. He had entered into a state of mad fury and he had at first let out terrible screams of anger. Yet towards midday silence had suddenly returned to the palace. A strange jingling sound escaped through the door of Zeus’ room: Zeus was laughing! He had just found the way to retaliate against this new act of disobedience on Prometheus’ part. He instantly summoned Hephaestus, Aphrodite, Athena and Hermes to his side. When Hermes entered the council hall he felt very uneasy; he admired the rebellious Prometheus and he also liked human beings. The master of Olympus was sitting on his throne and he was still in a villainous mood. He screwed his face into a smile. Addressing everyone at the same time he said: “I intend to give a nice gift to men; I wish to offer them the first woman. I would like each of you to give her the best quality that you possess.” Athena frowned, as though she could smell a trick, yet Hermes took no notice. He was only too happy to see his father prepared to offer men a gift! Zeus turned towards Hephaestus and said: “My son, you are to go first. Take this earth, mix it with water, and fashion a woman for us.”

Hephaestus rose heavily to his feet and did as he’d been told. He began to mould the wet clay into a woman’s body. His fingers worked swiftly, kneading the clay and giving it nice curves. From time to time, Hephaestus would stop, take a quick look at Aphrodite, and then he would resume his task once more. It was obvious that he was using his own wife as a model in giving birth to the woman of men. Little by little, a splendid creature emerged from the lump of clay, a creature truly in the image of the most beautiful of goddesses. It was then that Aphrodite came forward and stood before the female sculpture of clay; she placed her hands on its shoulders and said:

“Since you resemble me, I give to you beauty and seductiveness.”

Instantly, the statue became endowed with an irresistible charm.

Hermes approached in turn: “I give you eloquence and a taste for language,” he said.

But Zeus interjected: “Don’t you have anything else to add, something which is truly a part of your character, my son? Think well.”

“Ah, but of course!” exclaimed Hermes. And, turning towards the earthen woman, he said to her joyfully: “I offer you also curiosity, my immense curiosity.”

A gleam of joy shone bright in Zeus’ eyes. Unbeknownst to him, Hermes had just played his part in setting up his father’s trap for men. Athena drew close to the future woman and offered her beautiful clothes and splendid jewels. Then she placed on her forehead a bride’s headband and veil and took the opportunity to whisper discreetly in her ear:

“I also offer you intelligence. Above all, learn to make good use of it!”

To finish, Zeus rose to his feet and said: “You shall be called Pandora, which means everyone’s gift, and you shall be the first woman of mankind.” Then he breathed life into the statue. Immediately, a twitch travelled across Pandora’s nostrils, her eyelids batted very fast, then opened to reveal two stunning eyes. A great smile appeared on her lips. She was ravishing.

“Good morning,” she murmured, “when do we set off?”

“Good morning,” replied Zeus, rubbing his hands contentedly. “My son Hermes will lead you to earth and to the world of men. You are expected in the house of Epimetheus.”

Athena could foretell that Zeus was preparing a nasty trick against men. He was undoubtedly going to use this first woman of the world in order to take revenge on Prometheus. She immediately sent word of warning to Prometheus of what was being prepared. The Titan hurried to his brother Epimetheus: “Swear to me that you will not accept any gift coming from the gods of Olympus!” he cried to him. “Swear this to me, quick!” His brother’s authoritative manner always had a profound effect on Epimetheus. He hastily gave his word and Prometheus went back to his own house reassured. Yet Pandora was already on her way to Epimetheus’ house, accompanied by Hermes. Would Epimetheus be wise enough to refuse such a gift?

 

To be continued…