In Greek mythology, Epimetheus became Pandora’s husband despite Prometheus’s warning.
Epimetheus was a Titan associated with afterthought and hindsight. His name is commonly explained as meaning “afterthought,” contrasting with his brother Prometheus, whose name means “forethought.” In Hesiod’s account, Prometheus warned Epimetheus not to accept gifts from Zeus, but Epimetheus accepted Pandora.
Pandora’s arrival forms part of Hesiod’s explanation for the presence of suffering among humans. Zeus sent her as a punishment connected with Prometheus’s theft of fire, and she brought a sealed storage jar into Epimetheus’s household. When it was opened, troubles escaped into the world.
A common mix-up is assuming Prometheus and Pandora were spouses because both appear in the same myth cycle. Prometheus was Pandora’s creator’s adversary, while Epimetheus was the man who received her. Hesiod presents Epimetheus as unable to recognize the danger until after the gift had been accepted.