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Sisyphus

Sisyphus is a figure in Greek mythology, best known as the king of Ephyra, later Corinth, and as a trickster who was condemned to eternal labour in the underworld.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Sisyphus is a figure in Greek mythology, best known as the king of Ephyra, later Corinth, and as a trickster who was condemned to eternal labour in the underworld. His punishment was to roll a boulder up a hill only for it to fall back down each time, making him a lasting symbol of futile, repetitive effort.

Mythology

Sisyphus appears in Greek myth as the founder and king of Ephyra, later Corinth. Ancient and later sources describe him as intelligent, cunning, and notorious for deceiving gods and mortals. He is portrayed as clever and deceptive, and in some traditions as a trickster. Myths say he angered Zeus by revealing Zeus’s abduction of Aegina to the river god Asopus. He also cheated death, which led to his eternal punishment in the underworld.

Punishment in the underworld

After offending the gods and cheating death, Sisyphus was condemned to eternal labour in the underworld. His task was to push a huge stone or boulder up a hill, only to see it roll back down repeatedly. This cycle continues endlessly.

Meaning and legacy

The myth became a common symbol for labour that is endless, futile, or repetitive. The term 'Sisyphean' is widely used in this sense in literature, philosophy, and everyday language. In Canadian English, the myth is widely taught and referenced as the source of the adjective 'Sisyphean,' used to describe endless or futile tasks.

Literary and philosophical use

Sisyphus is a major reference point in later works, including Albert Camus’s essay *The Myth of Sisyphus*. In modern interpretation, the story is often used to discuss absurdity, perseverance, and the human condition.

Key facts

  • Sisyphus was a mythological king of Ephyra, later Corinth, known for his cleverness and deception.
  • He angered Zeus and cheated death, leading to his eternal punishment in the underworld.
  • His punishment was to roll a boulder uphill forever, only for it to roll back down.
  • The term 'Sisyphean' derives from his myth and means endlessly difficult and futile.
  • The myth is often used in philosophy and literature to explore absurdity and perseverance.
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Canadian context

The myth is widely taught and referenced in Canadian English as the source of the adjective 'Sisyphean,' used to describe endless or futile tasks in literature, philosophy, and everyday speech.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Sisyphus in Greek mythology?
Sisyphus was a mythological king of Ephyra, later Corinth, known for his cleverness and deception. He is best remembered for being punished in the underworld for his actions.
What is the myth of Sisyphus?
The myth says Sisyphus was condemned to roll a boulder up a hill forever, but each time it neared the top, it rolled back down. The cycle repeats endlessly.
Why was Sisyphus punished?
He was punished for offending the gods and for cheating death. One tradition says he revealed Zeus’s abduction of Aegina, and other stories emphasize his deceit and hubris.
What does the myth of Sisyphus mean?
It commonly represents futile, repetitive, or seemingly endless effort. In philosophy and literature, it is also used to explore human struggle, absurdity, and perseverance.
What is the rock of Sisyphus?
The rock of Sisyphus is the massive boulder he was condemned to push uphill in the underworld. It symbolizes a task that can never be completed.
Who wrote The Myth of Sisyphus?
Albert Camus wrote *The Myth of Sisyphus*, an essay published in 1942.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sisyphus
    Supports: Identifies Sisyphus as king of Ephyra/Corinth, explains the boulder punishment, and describes his deception of Zeus.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Sisyphus
    Supports: Confirms Sisyphus as a Greek mythological figure, a trickster, and the source of the eternal boulder punishment.
  3. World History Encyclopedia — https://www.worldhistory.org/sisyphus/
    Supports: States that Sisyphus was king of Corinth, cheated death, and became the symbol of futile labour.
  4. SparkNotes — https://www.sparknotes.com/philosophy/sisyphus/section11/
    Supports: Summarizes the myth as endless boulder-rolling and provides the philosophical framing used in later interpretation.