In Hesiod’s Greek myth, Epimetheus became Pandora’s husband after Zeus sent her to Earth.
Epimetheus was a Titan associated with hindsight and was the brother of Prometheus. His name is commonly interpreted as meaning “afterthought,” contrasting with Prometheus, whose name suggests foresight. In Hesiod’s account, Zeus sent Pandora to Epimetheus as part of a punishment directed at humanity after Prometheus stole fire.
Prometheus warned Epimetheus not to accept gifts from Zeus, but Epimetheus accepted Pandora. She brought with her a sealed storage vessel containing destructive forces that later escaped. Pandora and Epimetheus became a foundational couple in the Greek mythic tradition, although later retellings often simplify the story into “Pandora opened the box.”
A common mix-up is identifying Prometheus as Pandora’s husband. Prometheus created or aided humanity in several traditions, but Hesiod names Epimetheus as Pandora’s mate.