The Golden Apples The Story of Atalanta and

The Golden Apples: The Story of Atalanta and Hippomenes Mary Pope Osborne

PLOT! • Atalanta, independent girl raised in wilderness, muy Bonita! • Decided that if a man wanted to make her his wife they must first beat her in a foot face or be killed when they lose. • Hippomenes saw her instantly and fell in love so he went to Venus for help in winning. • Gave him 3 golden apples to help him win the race. • Every time he threw a golden apple, Atalanta got distracted and chased after them • This lead to his victory, they got married • Venus was mad because she received nothing in return and asked Diana to punish them • She turned them into lions as a punishment and they lived like that forever.

IMPORTANT EXCERPTS • Atalanta: “. . Whoever is so swift that he can outrun me will receive the prize of my hand in marriage. . ” • Hippomenes: “. . No person could be worth such a risk. . ” • “. . Hippomenes won Atalanta for his bride, but then he made a terrible mistake: He neglected to offer gifts to Venus. . ”

Symbolism • Atalanta represents independence and miracles • Hippomenes the unexpected • And the apples are distractions that prove to be valuable to giving somebody a chance

Character Development • Atalanta – very pretty, wild at heart, she wasn’t looking for love or marriage • Hippomenes – confident, determined, attractive, god blood, immediately fell in love with Atalanta • Venus – Goddess of love and beauty • Diana – Goddess of the Moon

SETTING & THEME • Ancient Greece in the woods • Even though you think you don’t want something, it can be a great honor that takes hard work and sometimes has consequences

Samantha Martin Miranda Blankenship Amanda Kemp