Tantalus

Tantalus was a figure in Greek mythology, most famous for being punished in Tartarus after offending the gods. He was a son of Zeus (or Tmolus, or a mortal man) and the nymph Pluto (not to be confused with the god of the underworld, Hades). He was the father of Pelops, Niobe, and Broteas.

Tantalus was initially favored by the gods and allowed to feast at their table on Mount Olympus. However, he committed several offenses that led to his eternal punishment. Accounts of these offenses vary, but the most common include:

• Stealing nectar and ambrosia: Tantalus stole nectar and ambrosia, the food and drink of the gods, and shared them with mortals, revealing divine secrets.

• Offering his son Pelops as a sacrifice: In a particularly gruesome act, Tantalus is said to have murdered his son Pelops, cooked him, and served him to the gods to test their omniscience. The gods, recognizing the abomination, refused to eat it (except for Demeter, who, distracted by the loss of her daughter Persephone, unknowingly ate a piece of Pelops' shoulder). Pelops was later restored to life by the gods.

• Refusing to return a golden dog: Tantalus was entrusted with a golden dog by Rhea (or Hephaestus) and refused to return it when asked.

As punishment for his crimes, Tantalus was condemned to eternal torment in Tartarus. He stood in a pool of water beneath a fruit tree with low branches. Whenever he reached for the fruit, the branches would move out of his reach. Whenever he bent down to drink, the water would recede. Thus, he was forever tantalized by the prospect of food and water but unable to obtain either.

The word "tantalize" is derived from Tantalus and refers to the act of tormenting or teasing someone with something desirable but unattainable.