Who is the mythological figure who was tortured with an apple that receded when he reached for it?

I recall hearing about this in mythology, but I can't recall whether it was Greek or Roman, though I lean toward the former. The story went that he committed some transgression in life, then was doomed in the afterlife with hunger and thirst, seated on a hill beneath an apple tree. When he reached for the apple, it went just beyond where he could get it. There was also a stream below that he could drink from, which acted in the same way.Who is the mythological figure who was tortured with an apple that receded when he reached for it?
Tantalus. His punishment was that he must eternally sit in a pool with delicious fruits hanging above. Whenever he bent down to get a drink, the water would drain and dry up. Whenever he reached up to get a piece of fruit, it would rise up out of his reach.





This was his punishment for killing his son Pelops. Before, the gods favored him more than any mortal. They even invited him to dine with them, which was a very big honor. Tantalus decided to see how great the gods really war. He killed and dismembered his son Pelops to serve to the gods. They realized what he had done instantly, and were disgusted and offended. So they punished him with the way I described above.Who is the mythological figure who was tortured with an apple that receded when he reached for it?
I have read tons of stories from Greek mythology and haven't heard anything like that, but it could be in an old Roman myth. You should try and check it out on a Roman mythology website to see if this gets you anywhere.
Tantalus was Greek.The story goes he butchered his own son Pelops and served him up as a feast for the gods. They were absolutely livid when they found out what they were eating and hence this punishment.
Tantalus. Hence ';tantalize.';
Tantalus
Tantalus
i think your right it was Greek.