What is the myth of Atlas?
In Greek mythology, Atlas (/ˈætləs/; Greek: Ἄτλας, Átlas) is a Titan condemned to hold up the heavens or sky for eternity after the Titanomachy. According to the ancient Greek poet Hesiod, Atlas stood at the ends of the earth in extreme west.
What does the Greek god Atlas represent?
ATLAS was the Titan god who bore the sky aloft. He personified the quality of endurance (atlaô). Atlas was a leader of the Titanes (Titans) in their war against Zeus and after their defeat he was condemned to carry the heavens upon his shoulders.
Why was Atlas punished by Zeus?
The Fate of Atlas Unlike his fellow Titans, Atlas had a different punishment. Instead of being banished to Tartarus, Zeus enslaved Atlas to holding up the earth on his shoulders for all eternity. This was because Zeus wanted Atlas to keep Gaia from forming the primordial bond with Tartarus.
Why did Atlas hold up the sky?
Atlas’ Punishment from Zeus Atlas was given the task of holding up the heavens as punishment from Zeus for leading the Titans in their battle with the Olympian Gods for control of the heavens. The Titan Atlas held up the heavens, a punishment from Zeus for warring with the Olympian gods.
Why Atlas is called Atlas?
In 1595, a collection of maps prepared by the Flemish mapmaker Gerardus Mercator was published with the word “atlas” in the title. Atlas referred to a portrait of King Atlas, a mythical African monarch. King Atlas invented the first celestial globe. Eventually, “atlas” came to be used for any book of maps.
What is an atlas one word answer?
An atlas is a collection of maps; it is typically a bundle of maps of Earth or of a region of Earth. Atlases have traditionally been bound into book form, but today many atlases are in multimedia formats. They also have information about the map and places in it.
What is the modern meaning of atlas?
Definition of atlas 1 capitalized : a Titan who for his part in the Titans’ revolt against the gods is forced by Zeus to support the heavens on his shoulders. 2 capitalized : one who bears a heavy burden. 3a : a bound collection of maps often including illustrations, informative tables, or textual matter.