One such myth revolves around Atlas's attempt to trick Heracles into taking over his burden. Heracles however in turn tricked Atlas into returning to his position under his burden. Eventually, according to Dixon-Kennedy (59), Atlas grew so weary of his burden that he requested Perseus to use Medusa's head to turn him into stone. Mount Atlas in North Africa is then said to be the basis for this myth. It is also interesting to note that the Atlas myth is not exclusive to ancient Greece. Dixon-Kennedy (58) notes that Hittite mythology includes a similar figure in the form of Upelluri. According to Homer's mythology on the other hand, Atlas was a marine figure with the task of supporting the pillars between heaven and earth.

The name of Atlas also has several manifestations in the Western culture of today. One of the creators on the upper western quadrant of the moon is for example named Atlas. According to the Myths-and-Mythology Website draws attention to the fact that the name is used for a collection of maps. This is perhaps the most common use of the name, and could be derived from the fact that the map is...

In this way, the Greeks have found a truly timeless way in which to eternalize themselves and their myths in the collective consciousness of their descendants. They were the first to acknowledge that human beings have control over their world and their destiny, and that knowledge serves to dispel darkness and fear. Perhaps this is the most important element of the mythical tales so many still enjoy today: humanity has the power not only of knowledge and science, but also of creativity and beauty.
References

Dixon-Kenney, Mike. Encyclopedia of Greco-Roman Mythology. ABC-CLIO, 2008

Dowden, Ken. The Uses of Greek Mythology: Approaching the Ancient World. Routledge, 2005

Hamilton, Edith. Mythology. Little, Brown & Company, 1998

Myths-and-Mythology.com. Impact of Greek Mythology on Western Culture. 2009. http://www.myths-and-mythology.com/articles/mythology-impact/impact-greek-mythology-.php