The Story of Epimetheus
Epimetheus was a son of the Titan Iapetus and the brother of Prometheus, Atlas and Menoetius. His name means afterthought, the opposite of his brother Prometheus, whose name means forethought. He was known for acting first and thinking later.
In a story told by Plato, the gods gave Prometheus and Epimetheus the job of handing out abilities to all living creatures. Epimetheus asked to do it himself and gave claws, wings, speed, fur and shells to the animals. When he reached humans, he had nothing left to give, and Prometheus had to steal fire from the gods to make up for it.
After Prometheus gave fire to humanity, Zeus planned his revenge. He had the gods create Pandora, the first woman, beautiful and full of charm, and sent her to Epimetheus. Prometheus had warned his brother never to accept a gift from Zeus, but Epimetheus forgot the warning and welcomed her as his wife.
Pandora carried a jar, often called Pandora's box in later tellings. When she lifted the lid, sickness, hard work and countless troubles flew out into the world. Only hope remained inside the jar when she closed it again.
With Pandora, Epimetheus had a daughter, Pyrrha. She married Deucalion, the son of Prometheus, and the two were the only survivors of the great flood that Zeus sent to destroy humanity. For the Greeks, Epimetheus was a warning about the cost of thoughtless choices.
Famous Myths About Epimetheus
Handing Out the Gifts
In Plato's story, the gods asked Epimetheus and Prometheus to give abilities to every creature. Epimetheus handed out claws, wings, and fur to the animals but used up every gift before reaching humans, so Prometheus stole fire to make up for it.
Pandora's Jar
Prometheus warned his brother never to accept a gift from Zeus, but Epimetheus welcomed Pandora as his wife. She opened a jar she had been given, releasing sickness and countless troubles into the world, with only hope left inside.
Epimetheus's Family Tree
Parents of Epimetheus
Partners of Epimetheus
Children of Epimetheus
Frequently Asked Questions About Epimetheus
Who is Epimetheus in Greek mythology?
Epimetheus is the Titan of afterthought and the brother of Prometheus. His name means hindsight, and he was known for acting first and thinking later.
What did Epimetheus do with Pandora?
Prometheus warned his brother never to accept a gift from Zeus, but Epimetheus married Pandora anyway. She opened her jar and released evils and suffering into the world.
How did Epimetheus leave humans without gifts?
According to Plato, Epimetheus was given the task of handing out abilities to all living creatures, but he gave everything to the animals and had nothing left for humans. Prometheus then stole fire to help them.
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