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In Greek mythology, Atlas ("he who dares or suffers") was the son of the Titan Iapetus and the nymph Clymene, and brother of Prometheus. He was the father of the Hesperides, Maera, the Hyades, Calypso and the Pleiades. Because Atlas fought on the side of the Titans in the war with the gods of Mount Olympus, Zeus punished him with the burden of carrying the heavens and Earth upon his shoulders. Atlas was turned to stone by Perseus using Medusa's head in the place where the Atlas mountainsThe Atlas mountains are a mountain range in northwest Africa extending about 2400 km through Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, and including The Rock of Gibraltar. The highest peak is Toubkal, with an elevation of 4165 m (13,665 ft), located in southwestern now stand, after he threatened Perseus when wanting to speak to his father Zeus about the punishment that had fallen upon him. He is also known as the king of AtlantisAtlantis was a legendary ancient culture and island, whose existence and location have never been confirmed. The first mentions we have are from the classical Greek philosopher Plato, who said that it was destroyed by a natural disaster (possibly an earth.

As part of his Twelve LaborsFor the son of Alexander the Great, see Heracles (Macedon). In Greek mythology, Heracles or Herakles ("glory of Hera") was the demigod son of Zeus and Alcmene, the grand-daughter of Perseus and the wife of Amphitryon. In Roman mythology he was called Herc, the hero HeraclesFor the son of Alexander the Great, see Heracles (Macedon). In Greek mythology, Heracles or Herakles ("glory of Hera") was the demigod son of Zeus and Alcmene, the grand-daughter of Perseus and the wife of Amphitryon. In Roman mythology he was called Herc tricked Atlas into retrieving some of the golden apples of the Hesperides for him by offering to hold the heavens for a little while. Upon his return with the apples, Atlas decided not to take the heavens back from Heracles. Heracles tricked him again by agreeing to take his place if he would only take the sky again for a few minutes so Heracles could rearrange his cloakA cloak is a type of loose garment which is worn over indoor clothing and serves the same purpose as an overcoat it protects the wearer from the cold, rain or wind for example, or it may form part of a fashionable outfit (e. opera cloak) or uniform. Cloak as padding on his shoulders. Atlas agreed and Heracles left.

Atlas continues to be a commonly used icon in western culture (and advertising), as a symbol of strength or stoic endurance. In such contemporary depictions, he is often shown kneeling over on one knee while supporting an enormous round globe on his back and shoulders. "Atlas" is also the presently used name of many objects and places (see ).