Brian Raines, age 14, of Smyrna, Ga., for his question:

WHO IS ATLAS WHO HOLDS UP THE WORLD?

Atlas was one of the Titans in Greek mythology. They were overthrown by a later group of gods, led by Zeus.

When he was overthrown, Atlas was compelled to support the heavens on his shoulders. Hercules asked his help in getting the Apples of the Hesperides. Atlas went to get them, leaving Hercules to hold up the heavens. Thinking himself free of his burden, Atlas returned with the apples. But Hercules tricked him into taking the heavens again.

In many famous paintings and works of art, Atlas is shown holding up the world. One of the most famous works of art in this class is a silver statue in the Royal Palace in Stockholm of Atlas shown supporting the earth. The statue is almost five feet high and was presented to King Gustavus Adolphus in 1632