In Greek mythology, Pandora’s husband was Epimetheus. His name is commonly interpreted as “afterthought” or “hindsight,” contrasting with the name Prometheus, usually explained as “forethought.”
Prometheus warned Epimetheus not to accept gifts from Zeus, but Epimetheus accepted Pandora. In Hesiod’s account, Pandora later opened the vessel in her household, releasing the harmful forces that had been contained inside. This episode connects the myth to the broader punishment of humanity after Prometheus gave humans fire.
A common mix-up identifies Prometheus as Pandora’s husband because both figures belong to the same myth cycle. Prometheus is instead Epimetheus’s brother and the protector or benefactor of humanity in many ancient and later versions. Epimetheus remains Pandora’s named spouse in the main Hesiodic tradition.