Epimetheus, ep-1-me'thus, in Greek mythology, one of the Titans, brother of Prometheus. At the time of the creation of the world, the task of allotting to animals and man such attributes and qualities as should make for their preservation and happiness was given to these two brothers. It fell to Epimetheus to distribute, to Prometheus to oversee the work. Epimetheus gave courage to the lion, claws to the cat, a trunk to the elephant, a shell and long life to the turtle, sagacity to the fox, wings and talons to the eagle, and a keen eye and powerful legs to the ostrich. Prometheus cautioned his brother, but Epimetheus would not listen, and gave with a free hand. The consequence was that he ran short. When, last of all, man came for his apportionment, there was nothing left to give him. Epimetheus was greatly troubled, for it seemed a pity to leave so fine a creature to the mercy of the beasts. In his perplexity he resorted to his brother. Prometheus called on Minerva for aid, and with her help succeeded in lighting a torch at the chariot of the sun, thus bringing to man the gift of fire. With fire as his friend, he could live in any clime and could forge weapons with which to defend himself against the beasts. Zeus beheld from his throne a bright light among men. Learning that it was fire, and how man had obtained it, he was greatly enraged. He assembled the gods in council, and it was decided to create a new being who should be sent to man as a punishment. The gods called the new creature a woman, and vied with each other in endowing her with gifts which should make her irresistible to man, and at the same time cause him no end of trouble. They named her Pandora, the all-gifted, and offered her to Epimetheus, who accepted the gift with delight, although again warned by his more cautious brother. Perhaps the gods foresaw that she would let loose from her box all the troubles, but surely they would not have sent her as a punishment, had they known that with her, hope would come into the world. A somewhat different account of the gift of fire to man may be found under the heading PROMETHEUS. See also PANDORA.