In the Greek myth of Pandora's Box, who was Pandora's brother-in-law?

The story behind the answer

In the Greek myth of Pandora's Box, Prometheus was Pandora's brother-in-law because he was the brother of her husband, Epimetheus. The family connection places the jar story directly within the Prometheus cycle.

Prometheus is the Titan associated with foresight, humanity, and the theft of fire from the gods. Zeus's decision to create Pandora follows Prometheus's defiance and functions as a punishment directed at mortals. Epimetheus, despite Prometheus's warning about accepting gifts from Zeus, receives Pandora.

Prometheus and Epimetheus have contrasting names and roles. Prometheus suggests forethought, while Epimetheus suggests afterthought. Their relationship helps explain why the myth links a clever act of rebellion with a later failure to anticipate consequences.

Prometheus is not Pandora's husband, father, or creator in the standard Hesiodic account. He is her brother-in-law through Epimetheus, although later retellings often rearrange or simplify the family relationships.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Oct. 2026

Add question to a list

Choose a list to keep this question in: