Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Perseus and Atlas explained
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.
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.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional peak of Tristram’s brief reunion with…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes 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.
Characters to notice
- 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 passages
“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.
