Final answer:
Tantalus challenged the omniscience of the gods by serving his own son at a feast, trying to disguise him as animal meat, which resulted in severe divine punishment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Tantalus thought the gods wouldn't be able to tell the difference between humans and animals; therefore, he committed a heinous act by killing his son, Pelops, and serving him at a feast for the gods to test their omniscience. This mythological story reflects on themes of divine justice and the severe punishments for those who attempt to deceive the gods or commit hubris.
Tantalus’s actions were met with severe punishment, as he was condemned to stand in a pool of water which receded whenever he attempted to drink, and overhung by branches of fruit that receded whenever he tried to eat, hence the origin of the word tantalize.