“But the woman [Pandora] took off the great lid of the jar with her hands and scattered all these and her thought caused sorrow and mischief to men. Only Elpis (Hope) remained there in an unbreakable home within under the rim of the great jar, and did not fly out at the door”

~Hesiod, Works & Days 54 ff (trans. Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C8th or C7th B.C.)

Why Elpis?

Many learned the story of Pandora in high school. She disobeyed Zeus by opening her wedding gift, a jar, releasing disease and suffering to mankind. (Why anyone would think a jar of plagues would be a good wedding gift, I do not know.) However, it didn’t end there. Not all of the spirits caged in the jar were freed. The spirit Elpis, or hope, remained behind, thus giving man some capacity to endure hardship.

Unfortunately hope alone isn’t a solution. Health disparities can only be resolved by bringing justice to the communities that have been affected. This blog hopes to take a hopeful tone in discussing problems and highlighting solutions in bringing about equity for all.

About The Banner

The butterfly banner on my blog is by Krista Bjork, a talented young photographer from Iceland. If you would like to see more of her beautiful work, please check out her photo stream here. Be sure to comment on photos you like!