Atlas (mythology)

In Greek mythology, Atlas is a Titan who is often depicted as carrying the heavens on his shoulders, symbolizing the weight of the world. According to legend, he was punished by Zeus for leading a rebellion against the gods, condemned to hold up the sky for eternity. This imagery has led to the common phrase "to shoulder the burden" and has inspired various artistic interpretations. Atlas is also associated with maps and navigation, as the word "atlas" now refers to collections of maps, reflecting the burden of guiding and representing the world.