Home > Myths and Legends of the World > Sisyphus

In Greek mythology, Sisyphus was famous for two things: his cleverness during life and the punishment he suffered after death. Although stories about Sisyphus differ somewhat in their details, he is usually referred to as the king of Corinth.

One story about Sisyphus involves Autolycus, a clever thief. Autolycus stole cattle by changing their color so that they could not be identified. Sisyphus outwitted him, however, by placing a mark on the cattle's hooves so that he could follow the hoofprints to the stolen animals.

In another myth, Sisyphus saw Zeusin Greek mythology, king of the gods and husband of Hera (Roman god Jupiter) kidnap a river nymph,minor goddess of nature, usually represented as young and beautiful but he promised to keep the hiding place secret. He betrayed Zeus, however, when he...