In Greek mythology, Epimetheus receives Pandora as a gift from Zeus despite being warned not to accept her.
Epimetheus is a Titan associated with hindsight, while his brother Prometheus represents foresight. Prometheus warns Epimetheus not to accept gifts from Zeus, but Epimetheus takes Pandora into his household. The story then connects Pandora’s opening of the jar with the arrival of suffering and hardship among humans.
The brothers’ names reinforce the contrast: Prometheus is commonly explained as “forethought,” and Epimetheus as “afterthought.” Their roles are part of the broader Greek myth cycle about Zeus, the Titans, fire, and the condition of humanity.
A common mix-up is to name Prometheus as Pandora’s recipient. Prometheus is central to the surrounding myth because he steals fire and anticipates Zeus’s anger, but Hesiod’s story specifically makes Epimetheus the one who accepts Pandora. Pandora is also presented as Epimetheus’s wife in later summaries.