In Greek mythology, hope was the last thing remaining after Pandora released the world’s evils.
Hesiod’s account says that destructive forces escaped from Pandora’s vessel and spread among humanity, while hope remained behind. The Greek word is often transliterated as elpis. Depending on the translation, hope is described as staying inside the jar or as being retained there after Pandora closed it.
The ending has generated centuries of debate. Some readers see hope as a consolation granted to humans, allowing them to endure disease, toil, and suffering. Others note that the story’s wording can make hope seem like another thing withheld from humanity rather than a gift released into the world. English translations and interpretations differ on this point.
The popular version usually treats hope as the positive remainder, which is why the phrase “hope at the bottom of Pandora’s box” became familiar. The detail is separate from the later translation that changed the original jar into a box.