page_title: Athletics in epic poetry
section_title: Atalanta and Hippomenes
hierarchical_section_title: Athletics in epic poetry / Roman epic poetry / Metamorphoses / Atalanta and Hippomenes
context_page_description: In epic poetry, athletics are used as a literary tools to accentuate the themes of the epic, to advance the plot of the epic, and to provide a general historical context to the epic. Epic poetry emphasizes the cultural values and traditions of the time in long narratives about heroes and gods. The word "athletic" is derived from the Greek word athlos, which means a contest for a prize. Athletics appear in some of the most famous examples of Greek and Roman epic poetry including Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, and Virgil's Aeneid.
context_section_description: In Ovid's Metamorphoses 10, Venus tells Adonis the story of Atalanta and Hippomenes. Known for her beauty and running ability, Atalanta consulted a god to ask about marriage. The god responded by telling Atalanta that a husband is not for you, and the god also prophesied that Atalanta would not take this warring to heart. Worried by the god's message, Atalanta set forth a challenge for all her suitors. To win her hand in marriage, the suitor must beat her in a footrace. However, if the suitor lost, then he would be killed. Hippomenes watched from the stands as suitors met their grim fate, and he wondered why on a man would take such a risk just for a woman. However, Hippomenes caught a glimpse of Atalanta naked and was overcome by her beauty. Then, Hippomenes decided to challenge Atalanta to a footrace in hopes that he would be able to marry her. Before the race began, Hippomenes prayed to Venus for help. Venus gave Hippomenes three golden apples, and she told him to use apples to distract Atalanta during the race. The race began with the two running side by side, but as race wore on, Atalanta started to pull ahead of the tired of Hippomenes. Then, Hippomenes launched the first golden apple given to him by Venus. Atalanta became distracted and retrieved the golden apple allowing Hippomenes to take the lead. However, Atalanta quickly recovered and took the lead again. Hippomenes threw the second apple. Atalanta, once again, retrieved the golden apple and easily retook the lead. Finally, Hippomenes threw the final apple with all his strength. As Atalanta retrieved the third golden apple, Hippomenes crossed the finish line to win Atalanta's hand in marriage.
caption: Noël Hallé - The Race between Hippomenes and Atalanta
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