In Greek mythology, Epimetheus became Pandora’s husband despite his name meaning “afterthought.”
Epimetheus was a Titan associated with hindsight and was the brother of Prometheus, whose name is often interpreted as “foresight.” Hesiod presents the brothers as contrasting figures: Prometheus is cautious and anticipates consequences, while Epimetheus acts first and understands later.
Prometheus warned Epimetheus not to accept gifts from Zeus. Epimetheus nevertheless accepted Pandora, who had been created and sent among humans as part of Zeus’s punishment after the theft of fire. Pandora then opened the container kept in their household, releasing destructive forces into the world.
Later Greek traditions connect Pandora and Epimetheus with Pyrrha, their daughter. Pyrrha and her husband Deucalion become central to the flood story in which humanity is renewed after Zeus destroys an earlier generation. These later connections vary across ancient sources.