Epimetheus
1
9.9
- proper noun
- /ˌɛpɪˈmiːθiəs/
- Literature
- In Greek mythology, Epimetheus married Pandora, who brought misfortunes to humanity.
Examples
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Once Epimetheus had distributed all his qualities to the animals, Prometheus distributed his qualities to man.
Academic text (1999) -
The gods created living creatures out of earth and fire and ordered Epimetheus and Prometheus to distribute to them their proper qualities.
Academic text (1999) -
Chorus Member 3: Epimetheus is...
Fiction book (2001) -
Chorus Member 1: Remember what we told you about Epimetheus...
Fiction book (2001) -
Epimetheus: Zeus told us to leave it alone, so forget about it.
Fiction book (2001) -
Chorus Member 3: One day soon after their wedding, Pandora and Epimetheus hear a knock at their door.
Fiction book (2001) -
Zeus introduces her to Epimetheus, who falls madly in love with her.
Fiction book (2001) -
"Zeus wanted to punish Epimetheus for his misdeeds, "so he fashioned a woman of clay and gave her the name Pandora.
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Epimetheus accepted Pandora as his wife, ignoring the warnings from his brother Prometheus.
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The story of Epimetheus serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of ignoring advice.
Surface Forms
Etymology
Epimetheus's name comes from Greek parts epi- meaning 'after' and -metheus meaning 'thought', so the name literally means 'afterthought' or 'hindsight'. That's why in the myth he is the brother who acts too late — he accepts Pandora despite warnings and brings trouble.