Pandora - a child of the millennia

Pandora

Real name
Lydia
Ethnic origin
Roman
Maker
Marius
Fledgling
Flavius
Books she appears in
The Queen of the Damned, Pandora, The Vampire Armand
Status
Alive, around 2000 years old

Character description
'Then came his beloved Pandora, her rippling brown hair free over her shoulders.'
(The Queen of the Damned)

'Her long rich brown hair was combed back, a shadow behind her slender neck, and she looked glossy and pretty because she had smoothed into her face a fine dark oil to make herself more passably human. Her eyes were bold and flaming.'
(The Vampire Armand)

Here is a picture of Pandora and Santino from the Innovation graphic novels. Please click on it for the full size version.

I found an interesting web site which explains the meaning behind names. I was shocked to discover they have most of the vampire's names there! It may not be an accurate meaning but why not look anyway, if only for fun.
Click here for the meaning of the name Pandora
and her real name Lydia.

Here is the meaning from the Virgin book of baby names by Emily Wood. This is likely to be accurate and more relevant.
~ Pandora ~
From the Greek words meaning 'all gifts'. In Greek mythology, Pandora was given a box and told not to open it. Her curiosity got the better of her and, on opening it, she released all the troubles of the world. Only hope remained.
~ Lydia ~
From the Greek meaning 'woman of Lydia', where Lydia is an ancient region in Asia Minor. In the Bible, Lydia is a woman who plies her trade of selling purple cloth in Philippi. Here she met St Paul and was baptised by him. Centuries on, Lydia remains one of the most popular names given to girls.

- My opinion of Pandora -
Pandora is a fascinating character and her relationship with Marius continues to intrigue me. Perhaps she sometimes appear a little cold and solitary but Anne often writes her female characters in such a way. Some people claim that the Asian vampire mentioned in Pandora was Azim and that he was her partner for some years. Interesting idea...
I enjoyed her book even though it was a little short. I wish she and Marius could feature together more - I enjoyed their scenes together. I just love the scene in Pandora when they meet each other in Louis XIV's France.
'I saw him! It was in the fancy fragile times of Louis XIV, the Sun King. We were at a court ball in Dresden. Music played - the tentative blend of clavichord, lute, violin - making the artful dances which seemed no more than bows and circles.'
(Pandora)
If only there were more scenes like that as it would have been fascinating to see Pandora through the centuries rather than concentrating solely on the Roman period. Still I ask too much - that would have been impossible for Anne to write in such a short book. Anne's historical detail in Pandora was impressive.

- Status of Pandora in the film The Queen of the Damned -
Claudia Black whose is best known for her work in the sci-fi show Farscape will be Pandora in the new movie. Visually she seems great to me although it appears from reading Vampvan's script that the character of Pandora will be altered somewhat. This is not a good sign for Pandora fans especially with such an attractive actress playing the role. Photos kindly supplied by Darren from the excellent site Claudia Black online.

If you like Pandora vote for her and then visit

Immortal Beauty
Ksenia's excellent tribute to Pandora includes sections on Flavius, Azim and Marius.
Pandora
Pandora's Box
Pandora's Keep

photo sources- raven, Claudia Black online, Innovation comics