In Greek mythology, Epimetheus became Pandora’s husband after receiving her from the gods.
Epimetheus was a Titan associated with hindsight and the consequences of acting without foresight. His name is commonly interpreted as meaning “afterthought,” contrasting with his brother Prometheus, whose name means “forethought.” In Hesiod’s account, Prometheus warns Epimetheus not to accept a gift from Zeus, but Epimetheus accepts Pandora anyway.
Pandora’s arrival forms part of Zeus’s punishment of humanity after Prometheus steals fire for mortals. Once Pandora opens the container, troubles spread throughout the world. Epimetheus is therefore central to the myth, even though Pandora is the figure whose action gives the story its familiar name.
A common mix-up is to identify Prometheus as Pandora’s husband because he is the better-known Titan in the surrounding story. Prometheus is her brother-in-law and the one connected with the theft of fire; Epimetheus is the husband who accepts her.