Contents of Pandora’s box - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Contents of Pandora's box," is a classic crossword entry that draws from one of the most famous stories in Greek mythology. It's a straightforward knowledge-based clue that tests your familiarity with this ancient tale. If you know the story, the answer likely comes to mind immediately.

Clue Analysis

The clue is a simple possessive phrase. It's not asking for a specific item, but rather for the general category of things that were inside the mythological box (or, more accurately, jar) belonging to Pandora. The key is to recall what was unleashed upon the world when she opened it. The answer will be a plural noun that encompasses all the troubles and hardships.

Thinking Approaches

1. Direct Recall: The most common approach is to access your knowledge of Greek myths. The story of Pandora is a cornerstone of this mythology. When you hear "Pandora's box," your mind should immediately associate it with the negative things it contained.

2. Word Association: If the story is a bit fuzzy, try associating words with "Pandora's box." You might think of trouble, misery, plague, sorrow, or hope (the one thing left inside). The clue asks for the contents in a general sense, leading you to a word that groups all these negative concepts together.

3. Using Crossings: For a five-letter word, even a single crossing letter can be a massive help. If you get the initial 'E' or the final 'S', you can start to sound out possibilities. An 'S' at the end strongly suggests a plural, which fits perfectly with the idea of multiple "contents."

Background Context

In Greek mythology, Pandora was the first human woman created by the gods. As a wedding gift, Zeus gave her a pithos (a large storage jar), which was later mistranslated as a "box." He instructed her never to open it. Overcome by curiosity, Pandora opened the container, and out flew all the hardships that plague humanity: sickness, death, turmoil, strife, and so on. These are collectively known as the world's EVILS. The only thing that remained inside the jar was Elpis, the spirit of hope.

This story serves as a cautionary tale about curiosity and is a foundational myth explaining the origin of suffering in the world. You can read more about it on the Wikipedia page for Pandora's box.

Conclusion

This clue is a great example of how cultural literacy is a key skill for crossword solvers. "Contents of Pandora's box" is a direct and fair question that rewards general knowledge. Once you make the connection to the myth, the answer becomes clear, making it a satisfying and accessible fill for most solvers.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Think about Greek mythology and a famous cautionary tale involving a container.
2. Hint 2: The story involves the first woman on Earth and a container she was told not to open.
3. Hint 3: When the container was opened, all sorts of negative things were released upon humanity.
4. Hint 4: The clue asks for a plural noun describing the general category of things released, such as sickness, death, and turmoil.