Anders Gustaf Ekeberg specifically, tantalite from Kimito, Finland and yttrotantalite from Ytterby, Sweden. Ekeberg named the new element after the mythical Ancient Greek demigod Tantalus who, according to legend, was condemned to eternal frustration when he had to stand in water up to his neck, but the water receded as he attempted to drink. Ekeberg suffered from poor health throughout his life. During his childhood a severe cold had impaired his hearing, which was further weakened over the years, so that it hindered his teaching activities. Subsequently, a gas explosion blinded him in one eye. Ekeberg was portrayed by his friends and students
Parameswara (king) of modern-day Malacca Town. According to the "Malay Annals", legend has it that the king saw a mouse deer outwitting his hunting dog into the water when he was resting under the Malacca tree. He thought this boded well, remarking, 'this place is excellent, even the mouse deer is formidable; it is best that we establish a kingdom here'. Tradition holds that he named the settlement after the tree he was leaning against while witnessing the portentous event. Today, the mouse deer is part of modern Malacca's coat of arms. The name "Malacca" itself was derived from the fruit-bearing Malacca