Epimetheus
Epimetheus 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 of Epimetheus
Epimetheus, the Titan whose name means "afterthought," was brother to Prometheus, Atlas, and Menoetius — sons of Iapetus born from Gaia's line. While Prometheus stole fire from Zeus, Epimetheus distributed all gifts among the animals, leaving humanity defenceless. Zeus exploited this by sending Pandora bearing a jar of evils. Prometheus warned his brother, but Epimetheus accepted her — and when the jar opened, every misery poured into the world. Only Hope remained. His story counterweighed Prometheus's cunning, illustrating that good intentions without Athena's wisdom bring ruin.
Parents
Iapetus and Clymene
Symbols
Fun Fact
Epimetheus is the cautionary counterpart to Prometheus — he represents the human tendency to understand consequences only after it's too late.
Words We Inherited
English words and phrases that trace back to this myth. See our full guide to English words from Greek mythology.
Explore Further
Epimetheus
🏔 titanTitan who accepted Pandora
The Titan whose name means afterthought — he accepted Pandora despite his brother's warning, unleashing suffering.
Prometheus
🏔 titanTitan of forethought
Prometheus the Titan was the creator and champion of humanity whose gift of fire sparked civilisation and whose punishment on the Caucasus became a symbol of defiant resistance.
Prometheus
🏔 titanTitan of forethought, champion of mankind
The Titan who stole fire from the gods and gave it to humanity, earning eternal punishment. Prometheus is one of mythology's greatest rebels and benefactors.
Menoetius
🏔 titanTitan of violent anger and rash action
A Titan struck down by Zeus for his hubris and violent temper during the war between Titans and Olympians.
Menoetius
🏔 titanHubris, Recklessness
A second-generation Titan struck down by Zeus for his violent pride during the war between gods and Titans.
Prometheus
🏔 titanTitan champion of humanity
The Titan who stole fire from the gods and gave it to humanity, suffering eternal punishment for the gift.
Metis
🏔 titanWisdom, Cunning Counsel
The Titaness of wisdom and first wife of Zeus, swallowed whole by the king of the gods when a prophecy warned that her child would surpass him.
Iapetus
🏔 titanTitan father of Prometheus and Atlas
Iapetus was the Titan whose sons shaped humanity's relationship with the gods more than any other divine family.
Kronos
🏔 titanTitan king of the Golden Age
The king of the Titans who ruled during the Golden Age and devoured his children to prevent prophecy of his overthrow.
Clymene
🏔 titanFame, Renown
An Oceanid-Titaness best known as the mother of Prometheus, Atlas, and the other sons of Iapetus who shaped humanity's early story.
Prometheus
🏔 titanpunishment
Titan who stole fire from the gods for humanity and was chained to a mountain where an eagle ate his liver daily.
Kronos
🏔 titanTitan, father of the Olympians
King of the Titans who ruled during the mythological Golden Age. Kronos overthrew his father Ouranos and was in turn overthrown by his son Zeus.