Pithos of Pandora

The Pithos of Pandora (also known as Pandora's Jar or Pandora's Box) was once the "home" to all the evils of the world. When a curious Pandora opened it, all the evils that harm mankind escaped and made life worse for mortals. Only one more spirit remains inside; the spirit of Hope, Elpis.

History
The pithos was originally a gift from the gods to Pandora, the first woman created, who in turn was given to Epimetheus during their wedding. It was really a punishment for Prometheus - as he took fire from the gods - and humanity, for accepting it. They knew he would get angry if he saw his creations being tormented, so they gave Pandora the jar and told her not to open it no matter what.

As suggested in The Dungeon Master's Theogony: Works and Days - Pandora's Pithos, that the curiosity to open it was probably killing Pandora. When Pandora did open the jar, all the evils that now torment mankind, such as lies, murder, death, sickness, treason, and all bad spirits and ideas escaped from the jar. The first Empousa was also released. Only Elpis, the spirit of hope, remained inside.