Amala is the Atlas-like giant of theTsimshian, Nass, Skidegate, Kaigani, Massett, and Tlingit Native American folklore.
According to a number of tribes, this culture hero, the world originally supported by an old man who took the weight on a pole balanced on his chest.
Amala was the youngest of several brothers, dirty and lazy but phenomenally strong.
The name Amala refers to his being very dirty and literally means “smoke hole.”
When the old man was dying, he sent for Amala who then took over the job of supporting the world-pole on his chest while it spins...
Once a year, a servant applies duck-oil to his muscles to relieve him.
The Tsimshian apocalypse tale tells of a time when all ducks will have been hunted to extinction.
At that time the servant will not appear to relieve Amala who will let the world fall from the pole and be destroyed...
Note:
There is a similarity between Cinderella and Amala in that both sleep in ashes and both are abused by their tribe or family.
The storyline of Amala - the despised member of the tribe who overcomes adversity and rises to be a hero among his people, may be a combination of elements of the downtrodden and derided hero or heroine, such as Cinderella, and the hero of the Atlas-type who dwells in the underworld...
Suppportive Resources:
See the Greek Atlas:
This image is for Amala, whils he is trying to carry the blue plent prior to adjusting it on an axis: http://bit.ly/1cSeDwc