In Greek mythology’s Pandora story, which figure was Pandora’s husband?

In Greek mythology’s Pandora story, Pandora’s husband was Epimetheus. His name is commonly interpreted as “afterthought,” contrasting with his brother Prometheus, whose name means “forethought.”

Prometheus warned Epimetheus not to accept gifts from Zeus, but Epimetheus accepted Pandora when she was sent to humanity. This decision links the brothers to opposite kinds of judgment: Prometheus anticipates danger, while Epimetheus acts first and understands the consequences later.

Pandora’s opening of the jar is usually placed within her household with Epimetheus. Hesiod’s account does not present the couple’s marriage as a romantic narrative; instead, it uses their relationship to connect Pandora’s arrival with the spread of suffering among humans.

Epimetheus is sometimes confused with Prometheus because both are Titans and brothers in Greek mythology. Prometheus is the fire-bringer and Pandora’s chief mythological counterpart, but Epimetheus is the husband who receives her.