Page "Misogyny" Paragraph 29

In Misogyny: The World's Oldest Prejudice, Jack Holland sees evidence of misogyny in the mythology of the ancient world.

In Greek mythology according to Hesiod, the human race had already existed before the creation of women — a peaceful, autonomous existence as a companion to the gods.

When Prometheus decides to steal the secret of fire from the gods, Zeus becomes infuriated and decides to punish humankind with an " evil thing for their delight " — Pandora, the first woman, who carried a jar ( usually described — incorrectly — as a box ) she was told to never open.

Epimetheus ( the brother of Prometheus ) is overwhelmed by her beauty, disregards Prometheus ' warnings about her, and marries her.

Pandora cannot resist peeking into the jar, and by opening it all evil is unleashed into the world — labour, sickness, old age, and death.