In Greek stories, Tantalus is punished to eternally chase after a fleeting desire, unable to reach sustenance or drink. His tale serves as a caution against hubris and the dire consequences of offending the gods. Tantalus is tormented with an unreachable bounty, symbolizing the eternal struggle of human desire and the futility of excess. His plight reflects deeper themes of longing and the moral lessons learned from unattainable aspirations in classical mythology.