
The Atlas personality, drawing on the story of the giant Atlas from Greek mythology supporting the world, is someone obliged to take on adult responsibilities prematurely. They are thus liable to develop a pattern of compulsive caregiving in later life.
Origins and nature
The Atlas personality is typically found in a person who felt obliged during childhood to take on responsibilities (extending beyond normal household chores or looking after siblings) such as providing psychological support to parents, often in a chaotic family situation.
The result in adult life can be a personality devoid of fun, and feeling the weight of the world on their shoulders. Depression and anxiety, as well as oversensitivity to others and an inability to assert their own needs, are further identifiable characteristics. In addition, there may also be an underlying rage against the parents for not having provided love, and for exploiting the child for their own needs.
While Atlas personalities may appear to function adequately as adults, they may be pervaded with a sense of emptiness and be lacking in vitality.

Victim Olympics / Oppression Olympics
Germanic people are taught from childhood, that not only do we have to give preferential treatment to everybody else, but the future of the whole planet is up to us.
Fun fact, there is in Norse Lore Atli is supposed to have been one of the names Thor uses to disguise himself in Midgard. Not sure how much etymological connection there is with Atlas, but I find the comparison interested in that Atli-Thorr is solely responsible for preventing Giants from illegally immigrating to Midgard…
Atli was also a name given to a depiction in the Sagas of Attilla the Hun.
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I did not know that. Good point, about keeping Midgård Giant-free.
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But otherwise. Yeah. I’ve known my share of Atlases. Always an adventure, dealing with that lot. Speaking of mythical personality flaws, have you read the story of Narcissus? You might enjoy that one, also.
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Thanks. I did not know of Narcissus, but the name give it away.
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Reblogged this on Vermont Folk Troth.
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