Atalanta and the Argonauts: Atalanta was the only woman in the crew of the Argo. The Argo was the ship in which the Argonauts sailed with Jason to fetch the Golden Fleece from Colchis. Atalanta is not included in all lists of Argonauts. When she is listed, Atalanta is included because of her skill as a runner.
Atalanta and the Golden Apples of the Hesperides: Atalanta is best known for losing a footrace because her competitor kept dropping the Golden Apples of the Hesperides to distract her at strategic moments. This competitor and suitor (for his prize would be Atalanta as bride) was either Melanion or Hippomenes. Had he lost the race, he would have forfeited his life.
The suitor had been given the apples by Aphrodite. When later he failed to honor the goddess, both he and Atalanta were turned into lions.
The suitor had been given the apples by Aphrodite. When later he failed to honor the goddess, both he and Atalanta were turned into lions.
Atalanta as an Argonaut: Atalanta is listed as an Argonaut in some lists - Apollodorus 1.9.16 and Diodorus Siculus 4.41.2.
Sources: Apollodorus, Apollonius, Callimachus, Diodorus Siculus, Hesiod, Hyginus, Propertius, Sophocles, Statius, and Pausanias.
Atalanta and the Calydonian Boar: Atalanta shot the Calydonian Boar. In one version of the myth, Meleager, who actually killed the boar, awarded it to Atalanta as prize because she had drawn first blood.
Atalantas: The stories about Atalanta are varied and contradictory. It is possible there were two Atalantas.
Read a Story About Atalanta:
In his Golden Fleece, Padraic Colum tells the story of Atalanta, whose beauty captured the heart of her fellow Argonaut, Meleager, and whose arrow first hit the Calydonian boar.
