In Hesiod's myth of Pandora, hope remained inside the container after its contents escaped.
In Works and Days, Pandora removes the lid from the vessel, releasing harmful forces that had previously been unknown among humans. She then replaces the lid before a final figure can leave. Hesiod names this figure elpis, usually translated into English as hope.
The role of hope has prompted centuries of interpretation. Some readers see its retention as a blessing that allows humanity to endure suffering. Others note that the Greek wording and the exact status of elpis are debated, because hope can mean either positive expectation or anticipation of future harm. The myth itself does not provide a modern philosophical explanation.
Popular retellings usually present hope as the comforting exception among the released evils. That interpretation is widespread, but the important textual fact is simpler: hope is the named quality associated with the container after Pandora closes it.