In Greek mythology, Epimetheus is the Titan whose name means “afterthought” and explains his acceptance of Pandora.
Epimetheus is paired with his brother Prometheus, whose name is commonly interpreted as “forethought.” The contrast is central to Hesiod’s telling: Prometheus warns Epimetheus not to accept anything from Zeus, but Epimetheus accepts Pandora, the gift sent as part of Zeus’s punishment.
The name is not merely a modern personality label. Greek mythological names often carry meanings that help define a character’s role. Epimetheus’s association with hindsight or delayed understanding makes his decision a symbolic counterpart to Prometheus’s planning and caution.
Epimetheus is sometimes remembered only as Pandora’s husband, but his name supplies an important interpretive key. The story presents his acceptance as a failure to act on advice before the consequences became clear.