In Hesiod’s Pandora myth, what does the name Epimetheus mean in English?

In Hesiod’s Pandora myth, the name Epimetheus means “afterthought.” The name comes from Greek elements associated with thinking afterward, contrasting with his brother Prometheus, whose name means “forethought.”

Epimetheus is portrayed as a figure who acts or understands too late. Prometheus warns him not to accept gifts from Zeus, but Epimetheus receives Pandora anyway. This makes the name especially significant: it describes his failure to anticipate the consequences of the divine gift.

The contrast between the brothers is a central structural feature of the myth. Prometheus represents planning and advance understanding, while Epimetheus represents hindsight and delayed recognition. Their names are therefore more than labels; they help explain their narrative roles.

Modern English uses “epimethean” occasionally for hindsight-based thinking, although “afterthought” remains the familiar translation. The word should not be confused with “epithet,” which is a descriptive title or phrase attached to a person’s name.