ATLANTA

A maiden fair Transformed was into a lion along with her lover to pull Cybele's chariot. This is rare so very very rare.

Atlanta was hatched in the undesirable state of being female. As a result she was thrown into the woods to die. A she bear raised her as her own cub. As she grew older she began to spend time with hunters and was soon the best amongst them. She loved hunting and the outdoors and had no use for men in her life. She had no compunction in defending her virginity. When the centaur Rhoecus attempted to rape her she quickly killed him with her arrows.

At length she proposed that any successful suitor for her, would have to beat her in a foot race. Losing suitors would be beheaded by her.

A man fell in love with her. He knew that he was not fast enough to win the race. So he prayed to Artemis for help. Artemis threw a golden apple in front of Atlanta during the race.

The sight of the magic apple was irresistible to Atlanta. She stooped to pick it up confident that she could make up the time.The delay cost her the race. In the temple of Cybele, they were overcome with desire and made love. At this point the infuriated goddess turned them both into lions to draw her chariot.

Atlanta racing