AtlasIn Greek mythology, the Titans were a race of giants. Atlas was the strongest of all the titans. His father was the titan Iapetus and his mother was the sea nymph Clymene. His brothers were Prometheus and Cronus. Atlas was the father of the Hesperides (Daughters of Evening), the Hyades and the Pleiades. He was also the king of the legendary Atlantis. In etymology Atlas means "carrier"; or "persevering."; An image of Atlas is a person with the world on his shoulders. A book of maps is also called an atlas. Atlas played an important role in Greek mythology. He was in the war with the Titans against the (Olympus) gods. Atlas collaborated with his brother Cronus in the war against Zeus. Atlas stormed the heavens and Zeus punished him. His punishment was to carry the earth, the sky, and the pillar that separates them on his shoulders for eternity. This punishment is Atlas' role in the Odyssey. Hercules became involved with Atlas. Eurystheus, cousin of Hercules, challenged Hercules to twelve labors. The eleventh labor consisted of recovering the golden apples of the Hesperides. Hercules asked Atlas to help him get the golden apples. In exchange for Atlas' help, Hercules took his burden off while he retrieved the apples. Atlas accepted Hercules' proposal. Atlas secured the apples and realized how wonderful it was not to have the trouble of keeping heaven and earth separate for eternity. Hercules tricked Atlas when he returned with the apples. Hercules told Atlas that he needed a pillow for his shoulders and asked Atlas to take back the land momentarily while he could get some pads. Atlas agreed, and Hercules left, never to return. Another role played in Greek mythology was when Atlas refused to provide shelter to Perseus. Perseus turned Atlas to stone using Medusa. The huge stone is called Mount Atlas. Atlas has a very distinct appearance. In art, Atlas is depicted as a man carrying a globe. It was strong and well made. His hair was shoulder length and he had a beard and moustache. He was usually depicted kneeling on one knee with the world on his shoulders. Atlas had two main values. These values ​​were his strength and physical endurance. The main reference to Atlas in the modern world is a book of maps. A map book or atlas is named after Atlas. A figure of Atlas holding the earth was used on the title pages of early map collections.