Epimetheus was Pandora’s husband or intended companion in the myth told by Hesiod.
Epimetheus was the brother of Prometheus, and his name is often interpreted as “afterthought,” contrasting with Prometheus, whose name suggests “forethought.” Prometheus warned Epimetheus not to accept gifts from Zeus, but Epimetheus accepted Pandora when she arrived among mortals.
Pandora later opened the container that released troubles into the world. The story uses Epimetheus’s decision to reinforce the contrast between foresight and hindsight. Some retellings focus almost entirely on Pandora and omit Epimetheus, but he is an important figure in Hesiod’s account and helps connect the myth to Prometheus’s punishment.