Atlas

Atlas is still today one of the most well known and legendary Titan in Greek mythology. This mythological character appears in many compelling stories, from the tale of the exploits of the hero Herakles (Hercules), to the myth that he supports the sky on his shoulders. According to the Greek poet Hesiod, Atlas was the son of Iapetos and the ocean nymph Clymene. This makes Atlas the brother of other famous Titans like Prometheus and Epimetheus. Here is a passage from the book Theogony discribing Atlas, "By harsh necessity, Atlas supports the broad sky on his head and unwearying arms, at the earth's limits, near the clear voiced Hesperides, for his is the doom decreed for him by Zeus the counselor." Possibly Atlas's most famous tale is the one concerning one of the labors of Herakles. Herakles had to obtain the Golden Apples that were guarded by these nymphs who watched over the Golden Apple tree. In the legend, Atlas offered to assist Herakles in this task. The Titan then proposed a plan, he would retrieve the apples if Herakles would, in return, hold up the sky in his place. The hero Herakles agreed to this deal. However, Atlas had ulterior motives for helping. He would have left Herakles holding the heavens, but the hero tricked Atlas into taking back his burden. And so Atlas resumed his role as the tireless Titan who supported the sky on his shoulders for eternity.

from Mythweb

back to Titans LAST MODIFIED MAY 10,2006

SITE MAP