In Greek mythology, Epimetheus was Pandora’s husband or companion in the main Hesiodic account.
Epimetheus was a Titan associated with hindsight. His name is commonly interpreted as “afterthought,” contrasting with his brother Prometheus, whose name means “forethought.” Zeus sent Pandora to Epimetheus after her creation, despite Prometheus warning his brother not to accept gifts from Zeus.
Pandora’s arrival and the opening of her container form part of the punishment directed at humanity. Epimetheus’s decision is therefore an important link between Prometheus’s theft of fire and the spread of suffering among mortals.
Later retellings vary in how they describe Pandora and Epimetheus, and some popular versions focus only on Pandora. In Hesiod’s narrative, however, Epimetheus is the named recipient who accepts her.