In Hesiod’s account of Pandora, Prometheus warned Epimetheus not to accept gifts from Zeus.
Prometheus and Epimetheus are brothers in Greek mythology. Their names create a deliberate contrast: Prometheus is associated with forethought, while Epimetheus is associated with afterthought. The warning reflects Prometheus’s suspicion of Zeus and his concern about the consequences of accepting a divine gift.
Despite the warning, Epimetheus accepted Pandora, whom Zeus sent as part of the punishment imposed on humanity after Prometheus stole fire for mortals. Pandora arrived with the sealed vessel that released suffering into the world when opened.
The myth links two different Prometheus stories. In one, he helps humans by stealing fire; in the other, his actions contribute to Zeus’s punishment of humanity. Some popular retellings focus only on the theft of fire and omit the warning to Epimetheus. Hesiod’s version preserves the family relationship and the warning as important parts of the narrative.