TANTALUS CUP Meaning and
Definition
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A tantalus cup, also known as a magis cup or Pythagorean cup, is a peculiar type of drinking vessel that contains a clever mechanism to prevent excessive or improper use. The name "tantalus cup" is derived from the Greek mythological figure Tantalus, who was eternally punished in the underworld with food and water forever just out of reach.
The construction of a tantalus cup involves an inner chamber connected to the drinking portion. Within this inner chamber, there is a small pipe or tube that extends to a certain height. If the cup is filled beyond this predetermined level, the liquid inside will begin to flow out through the tube and back into the main chamber. As a result, the cup will constantly empty itself and prevent the user from consuming more than the desired amount.
The purpose behind the tantalus cup is to discourage greed or gluttony by humbling the user with a reminder of Tantalus' eternal thirst and hunger. It is both a novelty item and a philosophical tool, often seen as a symbol of self-control or moderation.
Tantalus cups have been used historically as curiosities or conversation starters, showcasing ingenious engineering and ancient wisdom. Today, they continue to hold interest for collectors and those fascinated by the blending of mythology and everyday objects.
Common Misspellings for TANTALUS CUP
- rantalus cup
- fantalus cup
- gantalus cup
- yantalus cup
- 6antalus cup
- 5antalus cup
- tzntalus cup
- tsntalus cup
- twntalus cup
- tqntalus cup
- tabtalus cup
- tamtalus cup
- tajtalus cup
- tahtalus cup
- tanralus cup
- tanfalus cup
- tangalus cup
- tanyalus cup
- tan6alus cup
- tan5alus cup
Etymology of TANTALUS CUP
The word "Tantalus cup" is derived from the Greek mythology figure Tantalus. Tantalus was punished in the afterlife by being condemned to stand in a pool of water beneath a fruit tree. Whenever he reached for the fruit, it would pull away, and whenever he tried to drink the water, it would recede. This eternal frustration is reflected in the design of the Tantalus cup. It is a special kind of drinking cup that contains a hidden mechanism. When the cup is filled beyond a certain level, it starts to drain its contents through a concealed tube, causing the person drinking from it to spill their drink. Thus, the Tantalus cup embodies the concept of unattainability and frustration, much like Tantalus' torment in Greek mythology.
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