In Hesiod’s Works and Days, Pandora is given to Epimetheus, the Titan associated with afterthought.
Epimetheus is the brother of Prometheus and a son of the Titan Iapetus. Prometheus warns him not to accept gifts from Zeus, but Epimetheus receives Pandora when she is sent among humans. This decision links him directly to the opening of the container and the release of troubles.
Modern retellings sometimes call Epimetheus Pandora’s husband, while others describe him more generally as her companion or mate. Hesiod’s account is the key ancient source for the relationship, and later versions may alter details. Prometheus is often mistakenly named because he is the more famous brother and is strongly connected with humanity, fire, and defiance of Zeus.
The name Epimetheus means “afterthought,” a deliberate contrast with Prometheus, whose name is associated with forethought. That wordplay is central to the brothers’ roles in the story.