Pandora marries Epimetheus in Greek mythology. Epimetheus is Prometheus’s brother, and his name is commonly interpreted as “afterthought,” contrasting with Prometheus, whose name suggests “forethought.”
According to Hesiod, Prometheus warns Epimetheus not to accept gifts from Zeus. Epimetheus ignores the warning and receives Pandora. After Pandora opens the jar, the evils inside spread through the world, while hope remains within the vessel.
The pairing gives the myth a symbolic contrast. Prometheus represents anticipation and caution, whereas Epimetheus acts first and understands the consequences afterward. The contrast also explains why Epimetheus, rather than Prometheus, becomes Pandora’s companion in the story.
Later retellings sometimes omit Epimetheus or replace him with a generic human figure. That change makes the myth simpler, but it removes one of its central wordplays and its link to the Prometheus story.