In the Pandora myth, the hope that remained after the evils escaped was called Elpis.
Elpis is the personification of hope in Greek mythology. In Hesiod’s Works and Days, Pandora’s container releases destructive forces into the world, but Elpis remains inside. This ending has generated debate because the myth does not plainly explain whether hope is a final gift, a withheld blessing, or another ambiguous condition of human life.
The familiar phrase “hope remains” comes from later interpretation and retelling. Hesiod’s wording describes Elpis as staying within the container after the other contents have flown out. Translators may use “hope” as the English equivalent rather than preserving the Greek name.
Elpis is not the same figure as Nike, the goddess of victory, or Pheme, the personification of fame and rumor. In this story, Elpis is specifically connected with humanity’s continuing expectation of better things.