In Hesiod’s Pandora story, Epimetheus was Pandora’s husband and the brother of Prometheus.
Epimetheus belongs to the Titan family and is often described as Prometheus’s brother. His name is commonly interpreted as “afterthought,” contrasting with Prometheus, whose name is linked to forethought. That contrast helps explain their mythic roles: Prometheus acts with planning, while Epimetheus is associated with hindsight.
Prometheus warns Epimetheus not to accept gifts from Zeus. Epimetheus nevertheless accepts Pandora, who later opens the container holding the world’s troubles. The story thus makes Epimetheus part of the chain connecting divine punishment, human vulnerability, and the release of afflictions.
Epimetheus is sometimes confused with Prometheus because both appear in the same myths. They are distinct figures, however, and Pandora’s husband is specifically Epimetheus.