Epimetheus
titanEpimetheus was Prometheus's dim-witted brother whose name means "afterthought" — he accepted Pandora despite his brother's warnings, unleashing all evils upon humanity.
The Myth
While Prometheus had foresight, Epimetheus only understood things after they happened. When tasked with giving qualities to all creatures, he spent everything on animals — speed, strength, fur, claws — leaving nothing for humans. Prometheus had to steal fire to compensate. When Zeus created Pandora as punishment, Prometheus warned Epimetheus not to accept gifts from the gods. Epimetheus accepted her anyway. She opened the jar. Humanity suffered.
Parents
Iapetus and Clymene
Children
Pyrrha (by Pandora)
Symbols
Fun Fact
Epimetheus is the cautionary counterpart to Prometheus — he represents the human tendency to understand consequences only after it's too late.
Explore Further
Iapetus
titanIapetus was the Titan whose sons shaped humanity's relationship with the gods more than any other...
Pan
godThe goat-legged god of wilderness, shepherds, and rustic music. Pan's sudden appearance caused...
Pandora
heroThe first mortal woman, created by the gods as a beautiful punishment for mankind. When she opened...
Prometheus
titanThe Titan who stole fire from the gods and gave it to humanity, earning eternal punishment....
Zeus
godSupreme ruler of the Olympian gods and lord of the sky. Zeus overthrew his father Kronos and...
Asteria
titanAsteria was a Titaness who leapt into the sea to escape Zeus's advances and was transformed into...