Pentheus

Pentheus is a character from Greek mythology, depicted as the king of Thebes. He is known for his rigid opposition to the worship of the god Dionysus, rejecting the wild rituals and celebrations associated with the deity. This defiance leads to his downfall when Dionysus enacts revenge, causing Pentheus to be torn apart by his own mother and the other women amid a frenzied Bacchic ritual. His story highlights themes of pride, stubbornness, and the danger of ignoring divine or cultural boundaries. Pentheus serves as a cautionary figure about hubris and the importance of respecting tradition.