In the Pandora myth, Epimetheus is Pandora's husband or companion in Hesiod's account.
Epimetheus is a Titan associated with afterthought, contrasting with his brother Prometheus, whose name is linked with forethought. Hesiod portrays him as accepting Pandora despite Prometheus's warning not to receive gifts from Zeus.
Pandora's arrival and the opening of the vessel are therefore connected to Epimetheus's decision. Later retellings often make the relationship more romantic or focus entirely on Pandora's curiosity, but the ancient story emphasizes divine deception and poor judgment.
Epimetheus also appears in myths about the distribution of abilities among animals. In that story, he gives useful qualities to animals before realizing that humans have been left without protection, prompting Prometheus to intervene.