In Greek mythology, Epimetheus was Pandora’s brother-in-law and Prometheus’s brother. His name is commonly understood as referring to “afterthought,” contrasting with Prometheus, whose name is associated with “forethought.” This contrast shapes their roles in the myth.
Zeus sent Pandora to Epimetheus after her creation. Prometheus had warned his brother not to accept gifts from Zeus, but Epimetheus accepted Pandora anyway. In Hesiod’s story, Pandora then opened the storage jar, releasing troubles into the human world. Her relationship with Epimetheus connects the jar episode to the earlier conflict involving Prometheus and fire.
Epimetheus is not one of the twelve Olympian gods. He is a Titan, like Prometheus, although the two brothers differ sharply in their mythic reputations. Epimetheus is often portrayed as slow to understand consequences, while Prometheus represents planning ahead. Some later traditions connect Epimetheus and Pandora with Pyrrha, an important figure in the Greek flood myth.