Atlas carrying the globe – size 1

Atlas is a scion of the Titans, the Greek race of giants, and the son of Iapetus and the nymph Clymene. He was thought to be the king of legendary Atlantis (“Land of Atlas”).In the revolt of the Titans against the gods of the Olymp, Atlas stormed the heavens and Zeus punished him for this deed by condemning him to forever bear the earth and the heavens upon his shoulders. Hence his name, which means “bearer” or “endurer”.

When Atlas refused to give shelter to Perseus, the latter changed Atlas into stone, using Medusa’s head. On the place where Atlas stood, now lie Mount Atlas (Morocco, north-western Africa).

In art, Atlas is usually depicted as a man bearing a globe.