Atalanta and the Golden Apples

Classical Stories · No. 38 — The runner no man could beat.

• Classical Stories
• 45 min
• Ages 8–13
• 6 chapters

About this audiobook

Abandoned as an infant and raised by a bear and then by hunters, Atalanta becomes the swiftest, fiercest runner in Greece — she joins heroes on the boar hunt and outruns them all. Told she must marry, she sets a condition: she will race any suitor, and only one who outruns her may claim her; those who lose, lose everything. Many try; none win. Then Hippomenes prays to the goddess of love, who gives him three golden apples. Each time Atalanta pulls ahead, he rolls one glittering apple aside, and each time — just for a heartbeat — she cannot help stooping to look.

Why it's worth a listen

Left on a mountain as a baby and raised by a bear, Atalanta grows into the fastest runner alive — so fast she agrees to marry only the man who can beat her in a race, knowing none can. Then one suitor brings three golden apples and a plan. A story about a fierce, free heroine and the one thing that finally makes her look aside.

A question to keep

What makes someone slow down for the first time — and is it worth it?

Based on the book by A tale from Ancient Greece, published by Emma's Library original retelling

Chapters

1. The Mountain of the She-Bear
2. The Calydonian Boar
3. The Price of the Wind
4. The Prayer of Hippomenes
5. Three Sparks of Gold
6. A Question to Keep