Atalanta & Hippomenes
He won her with three golden apples
The swift huntress Atalanta would marry only the man who beat her in a footrace; Hippomenes distracted her by dropping three golden apples from Aphrodite, winning her hand and her love.
01Why it matters
It is the myth of the free woman won by cleverness; it inspired paintings such as Guido Reni's.
02The conflict
The vow never to marry and the deadly race.
03The iconic moment
The golden apples rolling as Atalanta hesitates.
04What survived
The myth in the "Metamorphoses"; Guido Reni's "Atalanta."
05Frequently asked questions
Who were Atalanta & Hippomenes?
The swift huntress Atalanta would marry only the man who beat her in a footrace; Hippomenes distracted her by dropping three golden apples from Aphrodite, winning her hand and her love.
Why is the story of Atalanta & Hippomenes famous?
It is the myth of the free woman won by cleverness; it inspired paintings such as Guido Reni's.
How does the story of Atalanta & Hippomenes end?
The golden apples rolling as Atalanta hesitates. The myth in the "Metamorphoses"; Guido Reni's "Atalanta."
Is the story of Atalanta & Hippomenes real?
Yes, Atalanta & Hippomenes is based on real people and events.
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