The Atlas holding Earth meme is rooted in ancient Greek mythology, depicting the Titan Atlas condemned to hold up the celestial sphere for eternity. While historically he held the sky, modern pop culture depictions often show him straining under the weight of the globe. This image has evolved into a versatile internet format used to represent a single person carrying a massive responsibility or supporting an entire group's success. From gaming 'carries' to exhausted employees, the meme perfectly captures the feeling of immense pressure and significant solo effort.