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PANDORA AND THE GIFT OF THE GODS
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Greece, a mountainous region of Europe, was once in the middle of a powerful civilization. One day the gods held a council and decided to create a perfect woman. Vulcan, the blocksmith of the gods, mixed earth and water with his hands. Out of these things he shaped the figure of a young womam. Then upon his anvil, he made a splendid crown Minerva, goddess of wisdom, dressed her in a long, white robe. Then she led her into the midst of the gods. Venus gave her beauty. Mercury gave her a flattering tongue. Apollo gave her a lovely voice. Thus she was able to speak and sing. Finally Jupiter placed in her hands a splendid box which she never was to open.
The gods named her Pandora, which meant "gifted by all the gods." Mercury, messenger of the gods, led her down to earth. Pandora looked around. Everything filled her with joy. However, she kept looking at the box given by the gods. What was inside? One day, when Her curiosity grew stronger and stronger. What was going to happen if she opened the box? She touched the golden lock, which moved easily. She pushed the lock harder and the box was opened. Out flew many tiny, winged creatures, which vanished like smoke through the open door. She vainly tried to drive a few of the winged creatures back into the box. Then with a frightened cry Pandora closed the box, but alas! too late. The creatures were all the evils of the world: sickness, grief, pain, and cruelty. Pandora realized that she had filled the world with cruel enemies because she had not obeyed the gods. Still holding the box, Pandora sat down and wept. Soon she opened the box a little and looked inside. One little creature had been left behind, clinging to the golden rim. The one creature left in the box was HOPE
Even though Pandora brought sorrow and pain to earth, she still left Hope, the most wonderful of all gifts.
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