Prometheus warned Epimetheus not to accept any gift from Zeus in the Pandora myth.
Prometheus and Epimetheus are brothers in Greek mythology and belong to the Titan family. Prometheus is associated with foresight, while Epimetheus is associated with hindsight or afterthought. This contrast helps explain why the warning fails: Prometheus recognizes the danger, but Epimetheus accepts Pandora despite the advice.
In Hesiod’s account, Zeus sends Pandora as part of his punishment of humanity after Prometheus steals fire. Prometheus understands that the gift may conceal a danger and tells Epimetheus to reject gifts from Zeus. Epimetheus nevertheless takes Pandora into his household.
The story is often simplified into a warning about curiosity, but Hesiod’s version emphasizes deception, divine punishment, and the consequences of accepting an apparently beneficial gift. Pandora’s later opening of the jar releases troubles into the human world, while hope remains inside.