Who was forced by Zeus to hold up the sky in Greek mythology?

In Greek mythology, Atlas is the figure who was condemned by Zeus to hold up the sky, a punishment that is often interpreted as carrying the celestial spheres or heavens on his shoulders. This curse was a consequence of Atlas's role in the Titanomachy, the war between the Titans and the Olympian gods. After the Titans were defeated, Zeus assigned Atlas this daunting task as a form of punishment for his rebellious actions against the Olympian order. This association with bearing the weight of the heavens has made Atlas a symbol of endurance and strength, often depicted in art and literature as a giant supporting the world on his back.

The other figures mentioned play significant roles in mythology but do not have this particular association. Hades is the god of the underworld, Prometheus is known for stealing fire for humanity, and Hercules, a hero known for his strength, was tasked with completing the Twelve Labors, but he did not hold the sky. Understanding these roles helps to clarify why Atlas is uniquely connected to this particular mythological responsibility.