In Greek mythology, Epimetheus is Pandora’s husband or companion after she reaches humanity. He is the brother of Prometheus and accepts Pandora despite his brother’s warning.
The names Prometheus and Epimetheus are significant: Prometheus means “forethought,” while Epimetheus is commonly explained as “afterthought.” Hesiod uses their relationship to contrast caution with belated judgment. Prometheus warns Epimetheus not to accept gifts from Zeus, but Epimetheus takes Pandora into his household.
Later versions often describe Pandora as Epimetheus’s wife, while ancient sources do not always frame the relationship in exactly the same modern terms. The key narrative fact is that Pandora is sent to Epimetheus and that her arrival precedes the opening of the container.