In Greek mythology, Epimetheus became Pandora’s husband. He was the brother of Prometheus, and his name is commonly explained as meaning “afterthought,” contrasting with Prometheus, whose name suggests forethought.
Prometheus warned Epimetheus not to accept gifts from Zeus, but Epimetheus welcomed Pandora. Hesiod’s story uses this family relationship to connect Pandora with the earlier conflict between Zeus and Prometheus over fire and human beings.
Epimetheus is sometimes mistaken for Prometheus because both brothers belong to the same mythic cycle. They play opposite symbolic roles: Prometheus is associated with planning ahead, while Epimetheus acts after events have happened. Pandora’s arrival exposes that contrast.
Later mythology gives Epimetheus and Pandora a daughter named Pyrrha. Pyrrha and her husband Deucalion survive the great flood in another Greek myth, linking Pandora’s family to the repopulation of humanity.