On arrival in Kalydon they were greeted by Meleager. ‘Welcome Herakles. Who is this young man? Another of your lovers?’
‘He is Theseus of Athens and Trœzenia, and ‘no’, he is not my lover. He’s my cousin. But who’s this beautiful lady with you? She’s certainly not your wife for I’ve met her.’
‘This is Atalanta who has come to join us in the boar hunt.’
‘A woman, in a boar hunt? You’re joking.’
‘No, I’m not, Herakles. I have already had objections from the other heroes. It was hard but I finally persuaded them to allow Atalanta to take part. I advise you not to get in the way of her arrows. She never misses and even your big, ugly frame wouldn’t frighten her.’
Herakles laughed. ‘I do have a big part that might frighten her.’
Atalanta reached for her bow, but Meleager put out an arm to
