The Heavens – and all their water supplies – on his shoulders

Atlas bears the weight of the heavens on his shoulders as he gazes at Castle Howard. Who knew that the heavens constantly gush babbling geysers of water which then fall to earth? Those of us who live in England might not be surprised: this statue shows us that it must be so.

In Ancient Greek mythology, Atlas was one of a race of giants, the Titans, waging war on Zeus, King of the Gods. In defeat, his punishment was to spend eternity holding up the heavens.

As on Saturday, I’m taking refuge from the cold by posting pictures of sunnier times.

For Jez’s Water, Water Everywhere

Author: margaret21

I'm retired and living in North Yorkshire, where I walk as often as I can, write, volunteer, and travel as often as I can.

44 thoughts on “The Heavens – and all their water supplies – on his shoulders”

  2. Oh dear! I feel your mood, and the distress of the current situation, Margaret, but they are beautiful photos. Perhaps a well wrapped up hike is needed. It won’t help in practical terms but it might make you feel better.

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  4. I made my inaugural visit to Castle Howard last weekend. Missed Atlas I’m afraid; we were Christmas- focussed. I’ll be back to visit Atlas and the many other delights on offer in warmer weather.

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    1. Good. It’s a good place to spend a summer’s afternoon – but their Christmas displays – and singing – are usually spectacular. We haven’t made it there this year – I’m glad you have.

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  6. That’s a charming photo of Atlas. It’s unusual for Atlas to be the central sculpture for a fountain arrangement isn’t it? I am intrigued was the Castle Howard Atlas fountain commissioned especially for the house’s grounds?

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      1. I did a quick Google only to find that the Castle Howard’s watery Atlas appeared to be the only one. Well, the only one that’s had so many photos taken that the algorithm offered it up and it alone!?

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  10. I think a lot of people feel like they have the weight of the world on their shoulders right now. Love the angle of this photo Margaret.

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  12. Great photo – an unusual angle on the house too. I guess he’s labouring under the additional weight of snow right now? We even have it in London and I’m not best pleased – as usual it’s messing with plans that were already challenging given the need to work around train strikes!

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    1. Oddly, I think we’re alone in NOT having snow. BUT we are due to travel southwards on a strike day. We still will, but with all those extra cars on the road, like ours…. And if it snows too … Grrr.

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      1. Hopefully there won’t be too much more snow, according to the weather forecast, although it’s set to remain chilly for a few days at least.

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  16. You gotta love Greek mythology, they do have some wonderful stories. Great photo of Atlas. It’s nice to be reminded of summer, but I won’t complain because today we got SNOW in London. Obviously, London is incapable of dealing with just a bit of snow, but it’s nice to look at.

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  17. Amazing. I wonder why I was taught ancient Greek spiritual thought was mythology? I still can’t get over seeing The Temple of Athena in Athens. It was the most powerful testament I have ever seen to cooperative female power doing good things together. They held up the most intact beautiful temple, which meant they held the sky.

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