Which figure is associated with giving gifts to animals before humans?

• A. Prometheus
• B. Epimetheus
• C. Hermes
• D. Zeus

Answer: (B)

In Greek myth, the tale about who distributed gifts to living beings hinges on two brothers: Epimetheus and Prometheus. Epimetheus, whose name means "afterthought," is the one associated with giving all the best gifts to the animals first, leaving humans with nothing. This sets up the contrast with his brother Prometheus, who later steals fire to equip humans with technology and knowledge. So the figure connected with giving gifts to animals before humans is Epimetheus. The other figures don’t fit this specific role: Prometheus is the one who helps humans by giving them fire, Hermes is a divine messenger and trickster, and Zeus is the king of the gods who oversees many actions but isn’t the one who distributed gifts to animals in this tale.