In Greek mythology, Prometheus is the Titan punished because he stole fire for humanity. His theft is the immediate background to Zeus’s decision to send Pandora as a punishment affecting humankind.
Prometheus is portrayed as a benefactor of humans in many classical traditions. He gives them fire, which represents practical knowledge, technology, cooking, craft, and civilization. Zeus regards the act as an offense against divine authority, so Prometheus receives a separate punishment, while humanity receives Pandora.
The myth is often summarized as though Prometheus directly opens Pandora’s container, but that is not the standard Hesiodic sequence. Pandora is sent to Prometheus’s brother Epimetheus, who accepts her despite Prometheus’s warning to avoid gifts from Zeus. The roles of the two brothers are therefore different.
Prometheus’s name is often associated with foresight, while Epimetheus’s name is linked with afterthought. That contrast helps explain why later retellings make Epimetheus the one who receives Pandora and Prometheus the figure who anticipates danger.