In Hesiod’s story, who received Pandora after Zeus sent her to humanity?

In Hesiod’s story, Epimetheus received Pandora after Zeus sent her to humanity. Epimetheus is Prometheus’s brother, and his name is commonly interpreted as “afterthought,” contrasting with Prometheus, whose name suggests forethought.

Prometheus had warned Epimetheus not to accept gifts from Zeus. Despite that warning, Epimetheus accepted Pandora, who had been sent as part of Zeus’s punishment. This episode reinforces the contrast between the brothers: Prometheus is cautious and anticipatory, while Epimetheus acts only after consequences become clear.

Pandora’s association with Epimetheus is sometimes omitted from short modern retellings, which focus almost entirely on the opening of the container. In Hesiod, however, the relationship explains how Pandora enters the human world.

Epimetheus should not be confused with Prometheus himself. Prometheus is the Titan linked to the theft of fire; Epimetheus is the recipient who accepts Pandora despite the warning.