In Greek mythology, what was Epimetheus’s relationship to Pandora?

In Greek mythology, Epimetheus was Pandora’s husband.

Hesiod’s Works and Days presents Pandora as a woman created by the gods and sent to Epimetheus. His name is commonly interpreted as “afterthought,” contrasting with Prometheus, whose name is associated with forethought. Epimetheus accepted Pandora even though Prometheus had warned him not to accept gifts from Zeus.

Their marriage places the opening of the jar within a family story rather than presenting Pandora as an isolated figure. The myth says that the vessel’s contents escaped after Pandora opened it, bringing suffering into the human world. Ancient versions do not provide the domestic details found in many modern adaptations, and they do not describe a wedding ceremony or a long courtship.

Epimetheus was a Titan, like his brother Prometheus, but the pair play opposite roles in the myth. Prometheus acts strategically and steals fire for humans; Epimetheus acts afterward and accepts Zeus’s gift. Pandora’s relationship with Epimetheus is consequently central to the traditional Greek narrative.