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Who was Tantalus?

By Chelsie Vandaveer

July 30, 2004

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Killer Picks: Gods of Greek Mythology Chess Set, Trentino Open Front Buffet—>Click here.

Muse with Harp Sculpture, Dwarf Pomegranate Fruit Trees, Dwarf Fig—>Click here.

Tantalus was a wealthy king. Some legends say he ruled from Mount Sipylus in Lydia, some say he was king of Corinth or maybe Argos. Zeus favored Tantalus and invited him to a feast to share the nectar and ambrosia of the gods. While dining, Zeus spoke of secrets and gave divine counsel to Tantalus. These were things not for other mortal's ears. But Tantalus did not keep these counsels secret.

Tantalus' Torment, 1731 Giclee Print
Bernard Picart Buy Giclee Print at AllPosters.com

Another legend says Tantalus stole nectar and ambrosia from Zeus's table and shared these with his friends, mere mortals. A third states it was the theft of a golden dog, guardian of Zeus's temple in Crete. Tantalus hid the dog and denied having it when Hermes came to retrieve the golden guardian. Whatever Tantalus had done, Zeus was furious. He condemned Tantalus to stand in a lake deep within the kingdom of Hades. (Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology, William Smith, ed., John Murray, Albemarle St., London, 1902)

After the Trojan War, Odysseus and his crew journeyed to many lands before the gods allowed them to return home. One of these sojourns was to the land of the dead. "And I saw Tantalos also, suffering hard pains, standing in lake water that came up to his chin, and thirsty as he was, he tried to drink, but could capture nothing; for every time the old man, trying to drink, stooped over, the water would drain away and disappear, and the black earth showed at his feet, and the divinity dried it away.

"Over his head trees with lofty branches had fruit like a shower descending, pear trees and pomegranate trees and apple trees with fruit shining, and figs that were sweet and olives ripened well, but each time the old man would straighten up and reach with his hands for them, the wind would toss them away toward the clouds overhanging." (The Odyssey of Homer, translated by Richard Lattimore, Harper Perennial Books, 1967)

Tantalus's punishment was a warning not to cross the gods. Although the legend is mostly lost, Tantalus remains in our language. One who is "tantalized" is one who holds out hope or prospects that can never be realized.

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Gods of Greek Mythology
Chess Set

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Ancient Greek mythology is filled with tales and adventures of the gods. Our unique chess set features a few of the fascinating figures of Mount Olympus, the elite of gods and goddesses. Zeus, the ruler of the gods, is depicted as king, while Aphrodite, goddess of erotic love, is portrayed as queen.

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Trentino Open Front Buffet

Design Toscano®

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Handcarved solid mahogany antique replica.

Our exclusive buffet invites you to proudly showcase your fine collectibles and serving pieces atop its three generous expanses of solid, high-quality handcarved mahogany. This unique buffet will draw admiration for its embellishments including a center Greenman, spindle pediments and the ornate brass pull on its single drawer. Ships in two pieces.

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Muse with Harp Sculpture

Design Toscano®

By artist Carlo Bronti. Nearly four feet of statuesque Roman beauty for home or garden gallery.

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Dwarf Pomegranate Fruit Trees

Gurney's Seed and Nursery®

Miniature Fruit with Full-Size Flavor!

Stunning bright coral-red flowers and fruit make a striking ornamental houseplant. Perfect for growing outdoors, too; will withstand temperatures as low as 40 degrees. Set plants outside in the summer—funnel-shaped flowers will attract hummingbirds!

Great in salads. Makes a juicy snack. 2 ft. mature height. Potted plants.

Zones: 9 - 10 (30° F.)

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Dwarf Fig Fruit Trees

Gurney's Seed and Nursery®

Sweet Treats, Fresh or Dried!

Smoky gray-green foliage adorns these 3-to 4 ft. plants. Evergreen foliage, sweetly scented flowers and edible fruit in one! The Dwarf Fig can be moved outdoors in summer, so the bees take care of pollination for you.

Figs will bear within 2-4 years. Plump fruit is sweet and delectable for fresh eating, preserves, baking and drying. Potted plants.

Zones: 6 - 10 (0° F.)

Dwarf Fig Fruit Trees Ships In Both Spring And Fall Click here - $20 off any order for $50 or more at Gurneys.com!

Comments: Grow in tubs in North. Four or more hours of direct sunlight from a south window. Keep evenly moist. Average indoor humidity levels. Day temperature 75-80 degrees F; night temperature 66-70 degrees F. Will not bloom if light is too low. Yellow-green skin with sweet, amber flesh; also known as 'Italian Honey Fig'. Tends to bear two crops, the fall crop being more reliable than the summer. The delicious, green-skin fruit with honey colored flesh ripens in mid September.

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