Story Summary
Explore the Greek myth of Tantalus and Eternal Hunger. Discover how a king’s hubris led to a legendary punishment of endless craving in the depths of Tartarus.
King Tantalus was once a favored guest at the table of the gods on Mount Olympus, but his heart was corrupted by arrogance. Desperate to prove that the gods were not all-knowing, he committed an unspeakable crime: he murdered his own son, Pelops, and served him in a banquet to the Olympians. The gods immediately sensed the atrocity and refused to eat, except for Demeter, who was distracted by grief. To punish his hubris, Zeus cast Tantalus into the deepest pit of Tartarus. There, he was condemned to stand in a pool of cool water that receded whenever he bent to drink, beneath a tree heavy with luscious fruit that swayed out of reach whenever he stretched his hand to eat. He remains there for eternity, forever plagued by the hunger and thirst he once thought he could outsmart.
The Moral
Hubris and the betrayal of sacred bonds lead to a void that can never be filled. One should never attempt to deceive or mock the divine order of the world.
“The fruit withdrew, the water fled, and Tantalus remained, eternally unfed.”
Fun Fact
The English word 'tantalize' is a direct linguistic descendant of this myth, perfectly capturing Tantalus's state of being teased by what he cannot have.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Tantalus's crime against the gods?
Tantalus invited the gods to a banquet and served them his own son, Pelops, to test their omniscience. He also stole nectar and ambrosia from Olympus and shared divine secrets with mortals.
How was Tantalus punished in Tartarus?
He was cursed with eternal hunger and thirst. He stood in water that drained away when he tried to drink, under fruit branches that blew away when he tried to eat.
What is the origin of the word 'tantalize'?
The word 'tantalize' comes directly from Tantalus’s name. It describes the frustration of being presented with something desirable that is kept just out of reach.
Who was the only god to eat the meal Tantalus prepared?
Demeter was the only deity to eat a piece of the meal, consuming a part of Pelops's shoulder because she was distracted by the loss of her daughter, Persephone.
What happened to Pelops after the banquet?
The gods restored Pelops to life and replaced his missing shoulder with one made of ivory. He went on to become a legendary hero and the namesake of the Peloponnese.
What does Tantalus symbolize in Greek mythology?
Tantalus symbolizes the ultimate form of hubris and the consequences of violating 'xenia,' or the sacred law of hospitality, which was central to Greek culture.
