Have you ever studied Greek mythology? Among the interesting Greek myths is the Atlas in Mythology very well known for the image of a Titan holding a globe on his back .

Overall, the story of Atlas involves defeat and suffering, but in the end it becomes a symbol of endurance and overcoming. So get ready to join this fascinating myth, which will easily convey a great message for your life.

Greek Mythology

In short, Greek mythology demonstrates various myths and legends created by the Greeks in antiquity. Precipitously, it shows the origin of life and how the phenomena of nature resonate.

Stories of gods and heroes Here we tell the story of the mighty Titan Atlas.

First, you get to know briefly some of the characters from Greek mythology:

• Heroes:
• Mermaids;
• Satyrs;
• Gorgons;
• Nymphs.

Who was Atlas in mythology?

Atlas in mythology was one of the main characters, even before the Olympian gods took over the power of the universe. This first generation of titans are the children of Gaia, Mother of the Earth, and Uranus.

Of these sons of Gaia, classical titans, Apetus had four sons, and among them, Atlas, the strongest and most powerful brother But we need to go back a little in history to understand the mythology of Atlas.

Titanomachy, the war between the titans

Gaia, angry with her husband Uranus, asked her sons to assume their father's power, so one of her sons, Kronos, was the only one with the courage to face him.

The latter, upon gaining power from his father, eventually became obsessed, swallowing practically all of his children at birth, except Zeus, who remained hidden under the protection of his mother Rhea.

Then, Zeus returned to avenge his brothers, started a war against his father Kronos, taking his reign. This being the case war became known as the Titanomachy Atlas' two brothers, Prometheus and Epimetheus, stayed at Zeus' side, while Atlas and his brother Menorhus remained loyal to Kronos.

As one of the greatest leaders of this war, for a decade Atlas used his incredible form to prevent Zeus' victory.

Atlas in mythology is defeated by Zeus

Although he fought bravely, Atlas gave up, and was condemned to extreme punishment: to hold the sky under his back. The great titans, defeated, ended up trapped in Tartarus, the Greek underworld.

During all this time that she was with universe beneath your shoulders Atlas ended up having great benefits, since in his position he could analyze stars and the Cosmos, when he began to study the movements of the waters and the stars.

In the meantime, the myth of Altas continues when he began to recognize certain patterns between stars and sea. Thus, he came to be considered the father of science, developing astronomy, understanding how to use the stars for navigation.

Atlas History in Mythology and Perseus

Due to its position, the Atlas in Mythology is not mentioned much, appearing mostly in two legends: that of the heroes Perseus and Hercules. Recognized for his fame for beheading medusa, Hercules is one of the notables of mythology.

Having said that, let's go back to the myth of Atlas. A fact occurred during his sacrifice to hold up the sky, when Perseus, who calls himself the son of Zeus, appears. Remember that Atlas was defeated by Zeus. Well, in the midst of his fight with Medusa, Perseus asked for shelter in Atlas' land, to rest.

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However, Atlas, long before, had received a prophecy that his land could be contaminated by a son of God, who would seek his precious apples.

Perseus, as a last resort, showed the severed head of Medusa to Atlas, the that turned the mighty titan to stone .

Liberation from Atlas Punishment in Mythology

Another myth told in relation to the golden apples is that of Hercules. In 12 certain worked Hercules was driven mad. As a result, he ended up killing his wife and children.

Then, for his redemption, he would need to steal a golden apple from the Garden of the Hesperides (daughters of Atlas). They were 4 nymphs who were in the service of Hera (considered goddess of women and birth) and the apples from the orchard gave immortality to any man.

However, stealing one of the apples was a very difficult task, because, besides the protection of the 4 nymphs, there was a terrible dragon, named Iaton. Being in a secret place, Hercules started to run around the world to find him.

When he then discovered that the Hesperides were the daughters of his brother Atlas So, in a deal, Atlas let Hercules hold the sky so he could get the apple.

So he did, but Atlas in mythology refused to take his post, leaving Hercules to continue carrying the sky forever and ever .

The pillars that held up heaven

Although Hercules had been betrayed, the myth says of Atlas that he forgave him, providing pillars to then support the sky. In other words, he freed himself and Atlas from martyrdom.

Atlas image today

The image of Atlas holding the sky over his shoulders has become famous among artists. According to records, the first statue depicting Atlas in mythology was created in the 2nd century before Christ.

Even today, the most modern example is the Titan sculpture in New York's Rockefeller Square.

However, history shows that, even though Atlas in mythology is a symbol of suffering and defeat, in the end, he proved to be a great lesson for mankind. Although he remained for eons carrying the sky on his shoulders, he became an inspiration, due to characteristics such as

• resistance;
• overcoming;
• courage;
• strength;
• perseverance.

Studying Greek mythology brings us numerous reflections on the life and behavior of humanity. Atlas in Mythology is a classic example, which makes us rethink about weakness and courage, especially in the personal aspect. After all, reflections on self-knowledge are essential for personal growth.

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In this sense, if you want to know more about the stories that revolve around human behavior, our training course in psychoanalysis is worthwhile. In short, it gathers precious teachings about the mind and how it reflects on life, both personal and professional.