Atalanta
Atalanta was the princess of Arcadia during the 6th century BCE.
Biography
Early life
Atalanta was said to have been abandoned by her father, King Iasus, because he wanted a son instead of a daughter. Following this, Atalanta was raised by bears and became a fierce hunter, proving to be a slayer of centaurs and a Calydonian hero.
Later life
After her return to the palace of her father, she began to challenge men to race her. If they won the race, she would agree to marry them. However, losing would result in their death.
Kyros of Zarax traveled to the kingdom of Arcadia to challenge her, and Atalanta reluctantly accepted the challenge, as she didn't want him to die. Cunningly though, Kyros cheated by using Aphrodite's golden apple to make Atalanta stumble repeatedly, resulting in his victory and the pair's eventual marriage.
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