Atalanta, Hippomenes, and the golden apples

In this ancient Greek story, Atalanta is a renowned runner. She's of age for marriage. Either she or her father - King Iasius? - it is unclear who - wants to keep marriage from happening, and the announcement is made that Atalanta will not marry until a suitor who can defeat her in a footrace appears. Any suitors who show up to run but fail to win will be executed.

Several young fellows lose. Details of their executions are not given nor are reactions from Atalanta or her dad.

Hippomenes shows up with an interest in wedding this fast and beautiful daughter of a king. However, he does not like the idea of being executed. He comes up with a clever plan that should improve his odds of winning, and keeping alive. He consults with the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite (Venus). She gives him a sack of special golden apples and a plan. When the race starts, he keeps a little ahead of her. When she catches up to take the lead, he rolls an apple ahead of her. Atalanta is distracted by the apple. She bends to pick it up and Hippomenes takes the lead. He's grinning. He has a chance. But then, he hears her foot steps close behind. She's catching up! He rolls another apple, and she bends to pick it up and Hippomenes moves ahead once again.

This continues until Hippomenes has only one apple left in the bag. Atalanta is sprinting to pass him and reach the finish line. Hippomenes rolls an apple, and it falls by the side of the course, down into a shallow ditch. Atalanta grimaces. She likes this fellow, but she has to win the race. She looks at the finish line and at the apple. Maybe she can win and have the apple. She darts to the ditch, Hippomenes takes the lead and increases his speed. Atalanta catches up, is almost back at his side again when Hippomenes crosses the line, winning the cruel contest and the speedy bride.