Atalanta is a beautiful girl who can run faster than any man. Many men desire her, but she tells them that they can only be with her if they beat her in a running race. Atalanta kills countless losers until she meets Hippomenes and debates letting him win because she likes him. She decides that winning is still more important to her, but Venus assists Hippomenes in winning the race, and he and Atalanta begin a romantic relationship. However, they forget to thank Venus for her help, and so one day while they are having sex in a sacred cave, Venus transforms them into lions.
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Atalanta Character Timeline in Metamorphoses
The timeline below shows where the character Atalanta appears in Metamorphoses. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Book 8: Meleager and the Calydonian Boar
...fighters to kill the bull. Among this group are Telamon and Peleus, Aeacus’s sons, and Atalanta, a female archer whose face is a combination of masculine and feminine features. When Meleager...
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...hunters climbs a tree to safety. Telamon trips as he tries to approach the boar. Atalanta shoots an arrow that strikes the boar beneath its ear. Meleager boasts to the others...
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Book 10: Venus’ Story: Atalanta and Hippomenes
Venus tells Adonis about Atalanta, a girl who could run faster than any man. Atalanta was very beautiful, and all...
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...a spectator named Hippomenes scoffs at the foolishness of the men who try to outrun Atalanta. However, when he sees Atalanta, he gasps with desire and instantly decides to join the...
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Atalanta is moved by Hippomenes’s youth, bravery, and determination to marry her. She wishes he would...
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As Hippomenes and Atalanta prepare to race, a friend of Hippomenes prays to Venus to assist his friend. Moved,...
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After Hippomenes and Atalanta marry, Hippomenes forgets to thank Venus for her assistance. Offended, Venus determines to punish him...
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