In Hesiod’s Pandora myth, Epimetheus becomes her husband after accepting her from the gods. His name is commonly interpreted as “afterthought,” contrasting with his brother Prometheus, whose name suggests forethought.
Prometheus warns Epimetheus not to accept gifts from Zeus, but Epimetheus ignores the warning when Pandora arrives. Hesiod uses the brothers’ contrasting names and behavior to reinforce a moral theme about recognizing danger too late.
Epimetheus is a Titan and the brother of Prometheus, although later traditions give the pair different roles and genealogies. In the Pandora story, he is the human-side recipient of the divine gift rather than the craftsman who creates her.
The myth is often retold as though Pandora independently opens the container. Hesiod’s version places the act within the household of Pandora and Epimetheus, making their union a key step in the narrative.