Greek mythology. Part of the Creation myth.
Zeus summoned two of his sons, Epimetheus and Prometheus to create men and animals. Prometheus gave Mankind fire, behind Zeus' back and against his will. Zeus therefore devised a punishment for Mankind.
Pandora was later married to Epimetheus. Zeus gave Pandora presents: curiosity, and a box which she was ordered never to open.
Naturally, curiosity ultimately got the better of Pandora and she opened the box, releasing all of the evils (pain, greed, sickness, envy) as well as hope, out of the box and into the world.