In Greek mythology, Epimetheus was Pandora’s husband or companion when she opened the jar.
Epimetheus was a Titan associated with hindsight and was the brother of Prometheus, whose name is associated with forethought. Zeus sent Pandora to Epimetheus after Pandora had been created as part of the punishment for Prometheus’s theft of fire.
Prometheus had warned Epimetheus not to accept gifts from Zeus, but Epimetheus accepted Pandora. Hesiod’s version then describes Pandora opening the storage jar, releasing the evils that had previously been kept inside. The story connects the brothers’ contrasting names with their decisions: Prometheus anticipates danger, while Epimetheus recognizes it only afterward.
Later retellings often make curiosity the main explanation for Pandora’s action. Hesiod’s narrative is also concerned with divine deception, marriage, and the origins of hardship in human life.