The mythological figure punished to roll a boulder up a hill for eternity is Sisyphus. His punishment was a consequence of his deceit and defiance against the gods, particularly for cheating death. Sisyphus represents the human condition of enduring struggles despite the futility of certain tasks. His endless, arduous labor captures the essence of existentialism and serves as a metaphor for life's challenges and the quest for meaning. The notion of facing insurmountable obstacles resonates through various cultures, illustrating themes of perseverance and resilience.