Atlas

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Atlas in "The StoryTeller: Greek Myths"

Atlas, in Greek mythology, was one of the Titans that ruled during the Golden Age. Legend holds that Zeus condemned Atlas to stand at the western edge of the earth and hold up the heavens on his shoulders, to prevent the two from resuming their primordial embrace.

Atlas appeared on The StoryTeller: Greek Myths in the story of "Perseus and the Gorgon". Atlas, wearily holding up the heavens, greets Perseus on his way to slay the gorgon. On his return with Medusa's head, Perseus shows it to Atlas, turning him to stone. The giant Atlas becomes a mountain and can for the first time rest from his once tiring job.

When Lee Lawrie designed a bronze statue of Atlas to adorn the Rockefeller Center in New York City, he conceived that the image of Atlas holding a globe would represent the celestial sphere of ancient astronomy. This meaning has evolved in pop culture best described by a common phrase used: "he held the weight of the world on his shoulders."

References

• Kermit was drawn to spoof the image of Atlas on the cover of One Frog Can Make a Difference.
• In promotional material for The Jim Henson Company's 45th anniversary in 2000, Kermit could once again be seen in the familiar pose.
• In The Sesame Street Special, Bob appears as a "living statue" of Atlas during the song "Sing Your Synonyms."
• Elmo draws his blanket in Atlas' pose holding a globe in The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland.

Kermit on the cover of One Frog Can Make a Difference

Bob in "Sing Your Synonyms"