Tantalus

Tantalus, in Greek mythology, king of Lydia and son of Zeus and the nymph Pluto. Zeus banished him to Hades because of his cruel sacrifice of his son Pelops. Tantalus was punished by being forced to stand chin-deep in water under hanging fruit, each of which receded just beyond his reach whenever he wanted to eat or drink. The word tantalize is derived from his name.

See also: Mythology.