# Perseus and Atlas explained — Bulfinch’s Mythology

> Chapter companion for Bulfinch’s Mythology by Thomas Bulfinch.

## What happens

Perseus, after slaying Medusa, seeks rest in the realm of King Atlas, but Atlas, fearing a prophecy that a son of Jove would steal his golden apples, refuses him. Perseus then uses the Gorgon's head to turn Atlas into a mountain, which now holds up the heavens.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hospitality and Its Violation

Atlas violates the sacred duty of hospitality by refusing Perseus shelter and food, leading to his petrification.

### Hubris and Divine Retribution

Atlas's pride in his golden apples and his defiance of the prophecy result in divine punishment through Perseus.

## Character check-ins

### Perseus

The hero who slays Medusa and later turns Atlas to stone using the Gorgon's head.

### Atlas

The giant king who is transformed into a mountain after refusing hospitality to Perseus.

### Jupiter

Claimed by Perseus as his father; the prophecy about a son of Jove stealing the golden apples is recalled by Atlas.

## Key lines

> Perseus said to him, 'I come as a guest. If you honor illustrious descent, I claim Jupiter for my father; if mighty deeds, I plead the conquest of the Gorgon. I seek rest and food.'

Perseus introduces himself to Atlas, asking for hospitality by citing his divine parentage and heroic deeds.

_Perseus appeals to the custom of hospitality, invoking his father Jupiter and his victory over Medusa._

> Atlas, with all his bulk, was changed into stone. His beard and hair became forests, his arms and shoulders cliffs, his head a summit, and his bones rocks.

Atlas is transformed into a mountain, with his body parts becoming various geographical features.

_The metamorphosis of Atlas into a mountain is described in vivid detail, explaining the origin of the Atlas Mountains._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/perseus-and-atlas
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters