Epimetheus was Pandora’s husband and Prometheus’s brother in Greek mythology. His name is commonly understood as “afterthought,” contrasting with Prometheus, whose name is associated with foresight.
Hesiod portrays Epimetheus as a figure who accepts Pandora despite Prometheus’s warning not to receive gifts from Zeus. The story uses the brothers’ names and actions to create a contrast between planning ahead and recognizing consequences only afterward.
Epimetheus is one of the Titans in the mythological family associated with Prometheus. He and Pandora became the parents of Pyrrha, who later survived the great flood with Deucalion.
The name “Epimetheus” is sometimes used in English as a metaphor for delayed understanding. In the Pandora story, it does not mean that Epimetheus created the vessel or released its contents. His defining role is accepting Pandora and becoming her husband.