In the Greek myth of Pandora, Prometheus is the brother who warns Epimetheus about Zeus’s gifts.
Prometheus and Epimetheus are both Titans, and their names create a meaningful contrast. Prometheus is associated with forethought, while Epimetheus is associated with thought after the event. Prometheus understands the danger of accepting a gift from Zeus and advises his brother to refuse it.
Epimetheus nevertheless accepts Pandora, who arrives carrying the sealed vessel. The warning fails, and the jar is opened, releasing the troubles that had been contained inside. This connection makes Prometheus important to Pandora’s story even though he is not the person who opens the vessel.
A common mix-up reverses the brothers’ roles. Prometheus is the fire-bringer and the adviser; Epimetheus is the recipient of Pandora. Their contrasting names help readers keep the two figures distinct.