On an early book of Flemish cartographer Gerardous Mercator’s maps, an image of this Titan holding the world was used

The Final Jeopardy clue for Friday, February 14, 2025, was in the category “Mythology” and read:

“On an early book of Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator’s maps, an image of this Titan holding the world was used.”

Who is Atlas?

Atlas is one of the most well-known figures in Greek mythology. A Titan and the son of Iapetus and Clymene, he played a significant role in the war between the Titans and the Olympians, known as the Titanomachy. When the Titans were ultimately defeated by Zeus and his siblings, Atlas was punished uniquely—he was condemned to hold up the sky for eternity.

This image of Atlas bearing the heavens on his shoulders became an enduring symbol, often misinterpreted in later artistic depictions as him carrying the Earth. The idea of Atlas as a bearer of the world likely stems from Renaissance interpretations and cartographic representations, rather than original Greek mythology.

Atlas and Gerardus Mercator’s Maps

Gerardus Mercator, a 16th-century Flemish cartographer, is best known for his world map projection, which became a standard in navigation. One of his early works, a collection of maps, featured an image of Atlas holding a globe. This association between Atlas and maps was so strong that the term “atlas” eventually became the common name for a collection of maps.

The use of Atlas in Mercator’s work reinforced the symbolic connection between the Titan and geography, even though the classical myth did not originally depict Atlas carrying the Earth. Over time, this representation became a widely accepted visual metaphor in cartography and literature.

The Lasting Influence of Atlas in Culture

Beyond maps, the image of Atlas has permeated various aspects of culture and language. The Atlantic Ocean is named after him, reinforcing his connection to geography. Additionally, in literature and philosophy, Atlas has been used as a metaphor for endurance, responsibility, and burden. One notable example is Ayn Rand’s 1957 novel “Atlas Shrugged,” which uses the Titan as a symbol of struggle against societal expectations.

In modern times, statues of Atlas, such as the famous bronze sculpture at Rockefeller Center in New York City, depict him with a celestial sphere on his shoulders rather than the sky or the Earth, further solidifying the altered interpretation of his mythological role.

A Fitting Clue for Mythology Enthusiasts

This Final Jeopardy clue highlights the blending of mythology, history, and cartography. While the original Greek myth positioned Atlas as the bearer of the sky, Mercator’s use of his image in a map collection altered the public’s perception, linking the Titan directly to the Earth. This misinterpretation became so influential that “atlas” is now synonymous with map collections worldwide.

The question tested contestants’ knowledge not only of classical mythology but also of historical developments in geography and cartography. Atlas remains an enduring figure, proving that myths can evolve and take on new meanings across different eras.