Ocnus
In Greek and Roman mythology, Ocnus or Bianor was a son of Manto and Tiberinus, king of Alba Longa. He founded modern Mantua in honor of his mother.[1] Alternatively, he was the son or brother of Auletes and founded Felsina (modern Bologna[2]), Perusia or Cesena.[3]
Ocnus is thus a character or allegorical deity which personifies hesitation, frustration, delay and the wasting of time, thus symbolising the vicissitudes of human life consumed in unsuccessful efforts.[1] He was condemned to spend eternity in the netherworld, weaving a rope of straw. As depicted in the picture by Polygnotos, standing behind him is his donkey which eats the rope as fast as it is made.[4]
References
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Smith, William, ed. (1870). "Ocnus". Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology.