Pandora's Box

by Lisl Weil

Retells the Greek myth in which the beautiful Pandora, created by the gods, was sent to Earth with a special box she was not to open, an instruction she was not able to follow.

Genres: Mythology

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Lisl Weil was a children’s author and illustrator, most remembered for her ink and felt pen drawings. She was born in Vienna, Austria in 1910, and it was during her Austrian childhood that Weil gained her first interest in the arts, particularly in music and the visual arts. It was an interest that became a life long passion and pursuit. While living in Europe, Weil worked as an illustrator for various European periodicals; after immigrating to the United States in 1939, Weil became a U.S. citizen, married Julius Marx, and began writing and illustrating children’s books, an occupation that she continued for 37 years. Lisl Weil illustrated over 100 books, many of which she wrote. She also pursued her love for music, channeling her energy into a musical venture for children. She involved herself in performance art and created life-size drawings that were choreographed to move rhythmically to a musical score. She called this “a real picture ballet” and the ballets were performed for children at concert halls around the U.S. Weil was also involved in the television and film industries; one of her children’s stories was made into a movie and she had a weekly television show for children during 1963-1964. Weil passed away in February 2006.

Reviews

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Myth
Weil, Lisl. Pandora's Box. New York: Atheneum, 1986.
As the author notes in her introduction, children often wonder why they can't live in a perfect world, free from want and discomfort. According to this Greek myth, the ancients and their gods did enjoy an ideal world of abundance and delight, until Zeus was angered that both mortals and gods were enjoying their lives without any semblance of hardship. Weil's retelling of this ancient myth traces the creation of Pandora from a lump of clay to an adorned maiden whose golden box tempts the curious, including Pandora herself. When this box is opened, the world as it is takes its form, as a place with both comfort and pain, plenty and want, and harmony and discord. Weil's writes her version of this myth in a light, fanciful tone, employing simple and accessible language. The story is accompanied by cartoonish black line drawings with brown water color accents. Although these drawings do aid in telling the myth of Pandora's box, especially at key points in the myth, today's young readers may be looking for more compelling and eye-catching illustrations.
Target audience: Ages 6-12

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I need to know more about this myth. The author explains that the ancient Greeks had many questions and that the answers they decided upon are found in stories called myths. So now I am wondering if indeed this is how these myths came about.

As for this book, this is an older book that is charming. It is not in full-color, just browns and blacks and tans. But the illustrations and language used are ones that I think would be appealing to children.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

MYTH: Pandora’s Box by Lisl Weil

Characters:Pandora, Epimetheus

Setting: A valley in ancient Greece

Themes: Curiosity can be your downfall, even in bad times there is a silver lining, something good can come out of something bad, be hopeful

In ancient Greece times were good, and the lives of the people flourished because they had lots of food and drink, and everyone got along and cared for each other. The people were happy and content. One day, when Zeus came down to Earth and noticed that the people did not care or question where the food and drink came from, and that they were not grateful for everything they had, he became angry and decided to teach them a lesson. He called all the gods to help him decide how they can show the people to be grateful. They all agreed to create a beautiful and intelligent woman, out of clay. Her name would be Pandora. Before taking her to Earth, they give her a box, instruct her not to open it, and tell her to give it to the man she marries. Zeus then takes her to the ancient city, where she meets Epimetheus and they marry. Once married she gives him the box and tells him only he is allowed to open it. One day when she is alone she decides to open the box, as soon as she opens it horrible looking creatures begin to fly out, so she quickly closes it. She then realizes it was too late, for they had all escaped. In the meantime, her husband Epimetheus, on his way home, notices the people fighting, hurting each other, and being selfish. He rides home to Pandora, and when she tells him what happened he knew it was Zeus punishing the people for their ungratefulness. Pandora also mentions that she saw a shiny object at the bottom of the golden box, but that she was too scared to open it. They open it together, and a beautiful smelling flower comes out of the box. Pandora and Epimethemus realize it is a sign of renewed hope.

This is a Greek myth retold and illustrated by Lisl Weil. The illustrations are mainly made up of simple sketches, not very detailed, in washed-out tones of orange/peach, and do not add much to the story. The cover is dull and not very appealing, it is a dated book (1986), which could possibly explain the dullness. The font is generously sized and the text is simple, but it does not seem to add anything special to the story. Included in the ending, the author reveals the themes, which can help young readers understand the moral(s) of the story. Readers will find the story interesting because of its quick pace from beginning to end.

Target Audience:2nd grade-5th