Atalanta

A baby’s cries rose from Mount Parthenion, also called the Parthenian Hill near Calydon. Atalanta, daughter of Iasus or Schoeneus, had been exposed there. A she-bear searching the slope for a lost cub heard her. It approached, nursed the child, kept her warm, and carried her towards its cave. One account says that Artemis sent the bear to help her. Atalanta did not fear the animal and accepted its care.

Atalanta grew among the bears and became an active, daring child. By the age of five, she had played with five litters of cubs. She climbed rocks, ran down hills, scrambled up trees, raced along the beach, and swam in the sea. She did not hibernate with the bears. As she grew, she became as strong and fleet as a wild animal. Her smooth skin marked her difference from her furry companions, but she remained at ease among them.

Hunters later found Atalanta and took her to live with them. They reared her, and she became their equal in the demanding work of the hunt. She carried weapons and remained a virgin. Once, while travelling, she was overcome by thirst. She reached Cyphanta, called on Artemis, and struck a rock with her spear. Water burst from the rock and formed a spring. Atalanta became an accomplished huntress, skilled in the arduous life of the hunters who had raised her. She did not yet accept her father, whoever he was.

Hippomenes entered the race for Atalanta’s hand, knowing that every unsuccessful suitor had paid for defeat with his life. Atalanta wished to remain a virgin and huntress like Artemis, but had agreed to marry the man who could outrun her. Many had tried and failed. Hippomenes prayed to Aphrodite for help, and the goddess gave him three golden apples from her sanctuary on Cyprus.

When the race began, Hippomenes threw the apples one by one towards the side of the course. Atalanta could not resist them. Each time, she ran to retrieve the apple before continuing the race. Her pursuit of the last apple gave Hippomenes the advantage he needed. He won the contest, and Atalanta became his bride. In time, she developed affection for him.

Their happiness led them to forget Aphrodite and fail to honour her for the help she had given. Aphrodite became angry at their ingratitude and caused them to offend Cybele. Another account says that Hippomenes was driven by lust and slept with Atalanta in a temple of Cybele, violating the sacred place.

Cybele punished the couple by taking away their human forms. She changed Atalanta into a lioness and Hippomenes into a lion. Their new forms reflected their characters. Atalanta had been a huntress who triumphed in the blood of her lovers, while Hippomenes had become her husband and master. Cybele yoked the lions to her carriage, where they appeared in representations of the goddess.