Long ago, there lived a titan named Prometheus, who loved the humans he'd created. He wanted to help them and he taught them many skills and arts. He also stole fire from the gods and gave it to the humans, so that they could keep warm and cook their food.
The gods, especially Zeus, the king of the gods, were angry with Prometheus for his disobedience and his generosity. They decided to punish him and the humans, for their insolence. Zeus ordered Hephaestus, the god of fire and metal work, to create a woman out of clay. He named her "Pandora", which means "all gifted" and he gave her many gifts, such as beauty, charm, intelligence and curiosity. He also gave her a box and he told her never to open it. He said that it was a wedding present and that it contained many blessings for her and her future husband.
Zeus then sent Pandora to Earth, where she met and married Epimetheus, the brother of Prometheus. Epimetheus was a kind and gentle titan, who accepted Pandora as his wife, despite the warnings of his brother. He loved Pandora and he gave her a beautiful home and garden. He also showed her his collection of animals, which he had named and cared for.
Pandora was happy with Epimetheus but she was also curious about the box that Zeus had given her. She wondered what was inside and why she was not allowed to open it. She thought that it must be something very good and very valuable. She wanted to see it and share it with her husband. She asked Epimetheus if she could open the box, just a little bit, but he refused. He told her that Zeus had forbidden it and they should respect his wish. He told her that the box was a mystery and that they should leave it alone.
Pandora tried to obey but she couldn't resist her curiosity. She though that Epimetheus would not notice and that Zeus would not care. She thought that it was harmless and that it was fun. She waited until Epimetheus was away and then she sneaked to the box. She lifted the lid and she peeked inside.
But as soon as she did, a swarm of evil things flew out of the box. They were diseases, pains, sorrows, fears, wars, crimes and all kinds of misfortunes. They spread over the Earth and they attacked the humans and the animals. They caused suffering and death and they made the world a dark and dreadful place.
Pandora was horrified and she quickly closed the box. She realised that she had made a big mistake and that she had unleashed a curse. She cried and she apologised but it was too late. The evil things had escaped and they could not be put back.
Epimetheus returned and he saw what had happened. He was shocked and saddened and he blamed Pandora for her folly and her disobedience. He also blamed himself for his weakness and his ignorance. He wished he had listened to his brother and that he had never accepted Pandora as his wife. He wished that he had never seen the box and that he had never opened it.
But as he was lamenting, he heard a faint voice coming from the box. It was a sweet and soothing voice and it said, "Do not despair, for there is still hope". Epimetheus and Pandora looked at each other and they felt a glimmer of hope in their hearts. They opened the box again and they saw a small and delicate creature, with wings and a halo. It was Hope, the only good thing that Zeus had put in the box and the only that had not escaped. Hope flew out of the box and she touched the humans and the animals with her light. She gave them courage and comfort and she helped them cope with their troubles. She told them that there was still beauty and goodness in the world and they should not give up.
And so, the myth of Pandora's box became a legend and a symbol of the origin of evil and the power of hope. It also explained why life is full of hardships and joys and why humans have to struggle and strive. It was a tale of curiosity and consequence, of temptation and redemption, of Pandora, the first woman and the box that changed the world.
Tailpiece.
Got up at a half past 6, the chores and was ready by a half past 9.
Today, there was the team that worked on preparing the house's exterior for the final paintwork while Saiju worked on waterproofing the top bathrooms.
The new tiles were dropped by the CITU guys in the eveining.
