ATALANTA, daughter of king Schœneus of Bœotia, was famous for her beauty and for her velocity. She demanded from every suitor to run a race against her and killed him when she outraced him. Hippomenes, son of Megareus reached the finish first by dropping three golden apples, which Atalanta picked up, thus losing time. Because Hippomenes forgot to thank Aphrodite, who had suggested this ruse to him, the goddess caused the couple to desecrate Cybele's temple. Consequently she transformed both into lions and put them to her carriage.
