In Greek mythology, the Titans ruled the Earth before the Olympians overthrew them. After ten years, Zeus, the head of the Olympians, defeated his father, Cronos, the leader of the Titans. Atlas led the Titans to defeat against Zeus. His brother Prometheus sided with Zeus.
When the Olympians won the war, Zeus punished Atlas, a selfserving protector of the status quo, by making him hold up the world. Prometheus was delegated by Zeus to create man. And since then, he has always been known as the protector and benefactor of humanity.
Prometheus gave mankind many gifts, including fire, which he stole from Zeus—and for which he was severely punished. But he never forsook humankind or gave in to Zeus.
Eventually, Prometheus was freed from his punishment. Atlas never was.