Atalanta in The Calydonian Boar Hunt

Atalanta in The Calydonian Boar Hunt

We can totally see why this tough huntress catches Meleager's eye. She stands out from the other women of her time by living wild and free in the wilderness. Abandoned by her father at birth, Atalanta grew up in the woods and so wasn't forced to subscribe to the rules of the world of men. Nursed by a she-bear and raised by hunters, she is skilled in the ways of the wild and proves her prowess by being the first to draw blood on the hunt for the Calydonian Boar.

To Meleager, this hardcore lady is intoxicating, and he ends up bringing about his own downfall because of his affection and respect for her. In some versions of the story, Meleager and Atalanta also go on the Quest for the Golden Fleece together, where they both are attracted to one another. Atalanta is a devotee of Artemis, however, and so is sworn to celibacy. No matter which version of story of Atalanta and Meleager's love you choose to believe, it never ends well.

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