It was a glorious day on Mt. Olympus when I married my husband Epimetheus; I love to reflect on that day. Everyone was happy, there was laughing and dancing, and we all had so much fun. The wedding gifts were stunning; a wonderful garden from Demeter, a fountain from Poseidon, and a bouquet of flowers from Eros. There was one thing that had always puzzled me - Zeus gave Epimetheus and I an ornately decorated box, which we were told never to open. Unfortunately, I did open that box. My name is Pandora, and this is my side of the story.

After Epimetheus and I had gotten home we placed the box Zeus had given us on a high shelf so that we wouldn’t be as tempted to open it. I asked so many questions about that box. ‘Why did Zeus give it to us? What could possibly be inside? Why can’t I open it?’ Epimetheus would distract me for some time with grapes and music, but my thoughts would always find their way back to the box.

I found myself thinking about it most when I was alone; in the mornings or while Epimetheus was away. I would often reach for it, and pull back at the last moment. One day, when Epimetheus was attending to business, I took the box of the shelf, held it to my ear, and shook it slightly. I heard fluttering like that of butterfly wings, and whispers as if there were creatures inside.
A tiny voice had called out,”Pandora! Save us we need you!”
“I cannot, it is forbidden!” I replied.
I heard another voice “But Pandora, don’t you want to know what is inside?”
“Yes,” I stated my hesitant reply. My curiosity had been so intense! You cannot blame me for wanting to look! I did not think just a small peek would hurt, so I had carefully lifted the lid just the tiniest bit off. The lid had shaken violently, thrown itself completely open, and horrible creatures poured out! They had flown, slithered, crawled, and leaped. Horrendous monsters with horns and fangs. They had glowing eyes and devious smirks. While they were in flight they cackled and screamed. As soon as I had had the chance I slammed the lid shut.
My head was cradled in my hands as I fell to the ground to weep. Prometheus and Epimetheus saw the creatures after they heard my screams. They both scolded me and said that I was the cause of the destruction of the humans. I never wanted this to happen, I liked the humans, as I began to fall into despair the box shook slightly and I saw a beautiful, golden creature emerge from the box.
“Fear not” It said, “For I am Hope, I am the light at the end of the tunnel. I am the beauty in every storm. I am the good that comes of all disasters. Do not cry, it will be alright, I am going to catch up with the others.” The wonderful creation floated away, its shining light penetrating all the darkness the monsters had left behind.
I have grown a lot since that day. I am still curious, but I am more cautious. I will always be curious as to why Zeus put those creatures in a box and gave them to Epimetheus and me, but I know it is better not to ask him about it. I have watched the humans react to the problems I set free, but I have also seen Hope visit every one of them. If it were not for Hope most of them would not make it to where they are today. Hope is the most beautiful thing that exists, because sometimes even the gods need Hope.