Pandora was told under no circumstances to open the jar (or box), but owing to her insatiable woman's curiosity, Pandora just cracked the lid.

Out from the jar (or box) flew every trouble known to humanity. Strife, sickness, toil, and myriad of other ills escaped to afflict men and women forever more. Pandora managed to trap one last spirit in the jar (or box) as she shut the lid, a timid sprite named Elpis, usually translated as "hope."

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