Pirithous is a figure from Greek mythology, known as the son of Ixion and a close friend of Theseus. He is famous for his adventurous spirit and his quest to abduct Persephone, the wife of Hades, which ultimately led to his downfall. In the myth, Pirithous and Theseus descend into the underworld to retrieve Persephone. However, they are trapped by Hades and forced to sit on the Chair of Forgetfulness. While Theseus is eventually rescued, Pirithous remains imprisoned, symbolizing the consequences of overreaching ambition and the bonds of friendship.