In Hesiod’s Pandora myth, which figure is named “Epimetheus,” meaning “afterthought”?

In Hesiod’s Pandora myth, Epimetheus, Pandora’s husband, is the figure whose name means “afterthought.”

Epimetheus is a Titan associated with hindsight and poor judgment. His name is commonly contrasted with that of his brother Prometheus, whose name is traditionally understood as “foresight” or “forethought.” In the story, Prometheus warns Epimetheus not to accept gifts from Zeus, but Epimetheus receives Pandora anyway.

Pandora later opens the vessel in the household, releasing troubles into the world while hope remains inside according to the familiar interpretation of Hesiod’s account. Epimetheus therefore serves as an important counterpart to Prometheus in the myth’s moral structure.

The name is not a description of Pandora. It belongs to the Titan who accepts Zeus’s gift despite his brother’s warning.