Which figure bears the weight of the world as punishment for opposing the gods?

• A. Tartarus
• B. Morpheus
• C. Prometheus
• D. Atlas

Answer: (D)

Atlas embodies the idea of a punishment that becomes a constant burden. After opposing the Olympian gods, he was condemned to hold up the heavens—often described as bearing the weight of the world—on his shoulders for eternity. This image captures the notion of enduring a punishment that is also a symbol of defiance against the gods. Tartarus is a deep abyss used as a prison for the defeated and for wrongdoing, not a figure who bears the weight. Morpheus is the god of dreams, associated with shaping dreams rather than a punishment. Prometheus endures a different fate for giving fire to humanity—chained punishment with a daily cycle of torment—not carrying the world. So Atlas best fits the description as the figure charged with upholding the heavens as a consequence of opposing the gods.