In Greek mythology, hope remains inside Pandora’s vessel after the evils escape.
In Hesiod’s Works and Days, Pandora lifts the lid of the vessel and releases the destructive troubles that had previously been kept away from humanity. She closes it before the final occupant can leave. That occupant is Elpis, usually translated as hope.
The exact meaning of hope in the story has been debated. Some readers see it as a consolation preserved for humans, while others note that Hesiod does not clearly explain whether hope is a blessing, a withheld resource, or something more ambiguous. The text simply identifies it as the final thing remaining inside.
The familiar expression “hope remains” comes from this detail. Later retellings often say that Pandora’s Box contained hope at the bottom, although the ancient version describes a jar or storage vessel rather than a modern box.