Atalanta and Hippomenes: The Race for Love - Greek Mythology Stories - See U in History

Atlanta was an outstanding hunter. When she was a child, her father only wanted to have male offspring, and so she was abandoned in a forest. The little girl was breastfed by a she-bear, and then found by hunters. Since an early age, Atlanta showed an inborn aptitude for hunting, and for that, the young girl joined a group of hunters that followed the goddess Artemis. Atlanta's father, regretting the act he committed against his only daughter, asked for her forgiveness, and so the young girl started to be a regular presence with her father's court. Her father, Shonius, the king of Syros, was deeply proud of his daughter, who was known for being faster than a roe deer. Atlanta became even more famous after having participated in the Caledonian wild boar hunt, which tragically ended with the death of Maliager. After that episode, a prophecy was uttered, mentioning that a marriage would be the ruin of Atlanta. But Atlanta was beautiful and the daughter of a king, and so she had hundreds of claimants. Her father, concerned about his daughter's fate, conjured a plan. Only the one who could beat Atlanta in a running contest would be worthy of marrying his daughter, but if the claimant lost the clash, he would have to pay such defeat with his own life. Despite the heavy penalty in case of defeat, many decided to risk their own lives to marry Atlanta, but they all ended up dead. After the demise of such a high number of claimants, the king believed that his daughter was safe. But there was still a young man named Hippomenes. He was known for being an extremely fast runner. Atlanta already knew him and was aware that he could run even faster than her, but she also knew that he couldn't keep that pace for an extended period of time. The young Hippomenes was in love with the beautiful Atlanta and begged Aphrodite, the goddess of love, to have her assistance in the conquering of the young girl. The goddess appeared and handed him golden apples along with some instructions. The run started and Hippomenes was ahead. Atlanta was not concerned because she knew that he wouldn't keep that pace for a long time. Hippomenes started to lose his speed and the young girl was about to take the lead. And so, Hippomenes dropped one of his apples on the ground. Atlanta was impressed by such preciousness and bent down to pick it up. The boy had now an advantage. After picking the apple, Atlanta started to run even faster. The finishing line was close, but Atlanta managed to get close to him like an arrow. When the young man was finally getting overtaken, he dropped another apple and Atlanta couldn't resist the irresistible urge, which forced her to bend down and pick it up. And so, Hippomenes crossed the line in the first position. As promised, the king had to allow the marriage of his daughter with Hippomenes. Hippomenes and Atlanta got married and they loved each other immensely. Nonetheless, the couple forgot to thank the goddess Aphrodite for having allowed their union. The goddess decided to punish them and instigated luxury in the couple. And they have intercourse in the temple devoted to Rhea, the mother of Zeus. Enraged, Rhea, the powerful titan, transformed the beautiful couple into lions and they both had to pull their glorious cart throughout eternity.