In Hesiod’s Greek myth, Epimetheus was Pandora’s husband or companion after she arrived among humans. Epimetheus was the brother of Prometheus, and his name is commonly interpreted as “afterthought,” contrasting with Prometheus, whose name is associated with foresight.
Prometheus warned Epimetheus not to accept gifts from Zeus, but Epimetheus accepted Pandora. In the story, Pandora later opened the vessel and released the troubles stored inside it. This makes Epimetheus an important part of the myth’s chain of events, even though modern retellings often focus almost entirely on Pandora.
The brothers also appear in wider Greek mythology. Prometheus is linked to humanity’s fire and civilization, while Epimetheus is characterized as someone who understands events only after they happen. Their names became proverbial contrasts in later writing. Epimetheus should not be confused with Deucalion, another figure connected with humanity’s survival after a great flood in Greek myth.