Pentheus is a character from Greek mythology, specifically known from the play "The Bacchae" by Euripides. He is the king of Thebes and is often depicted as a figure who opposes the worship of the god Dionysus. His refusal to acknowledge Dionysus's divinity leads to tragic consequences. In the story, Pentheus attempts to suppress the Bacchae, female followers of Dionysus, who engage in ecstatic rituals. His arrogance and denial of the god's power ultimately result in his downfall, as he is torn apart by the Bacchae, including his own mother, in a frenzied state of madness.