In Greek mythology, Pandora’s husband was the Titan Epimetheus.
Epimetheus was the brother of Prometheus, the Titan associated with stealing fire for humanity. His name is commonly interpreted as “afterthought,” contrasting with Prometheus, whose name means “forethought.” This contrast helps explain why Epimetheus accepted Pandora even though Prometheus had warned him not to accept gifts from Zeus.
In Hesiod’s Works and Days, Zeus sends Pandora to Epimetheus after Prometheus takes fire and gives it to humans. Pandora brings the sealed container that releases misfortunes into the world. The story therefore links her arrival, Epimetheus’s decision, and humanity’s suffering.
Pandora is not described as the owner of a literal modern box in the earliest Greek account. Hesiod calls the container a pithos, a large storage jar. The “box” wording became standard much later through translation and literary tradition.