In Greek mythology, Pandora was married to Epimetheus when she received her vessel. Epimetheus was a Titan associated with hindsight and was the brother of Prometheus, whose name is linked with forethought.
Hesiod’s Works and Days presents Pandora as a divine creation sent to humanity after Prometheus stole fire for mortals. Prometheus warned Epimetheus not to accept gifts from Zeus, but Epimetheus accepted Pandora anyway. Their marriage places the story within the mythic origins of the human condition.
Epimetheus is sometimes confused with Prometheus because both are Titans and brothers. Their names provide a deliberate contrast: Prometheus represents thinking ahead, while Epimetheus is commonly interpreted as thinking afterward. Pandora’s story is therefore also connected to the pair’s contrasting qualities.