What's the original myth behind a princess who refuses to marry a suitor unless he can defeat her in battle? I know it's fairly vague, but I don't remember much else about it... Thanks.
2007-05-28 17:48:28 · 6 answers · asked by alexis murray 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
I agree with the answer about the foot race with the golden apples, and wonder if you are mixing the myth with the vow Red Sonja made when she took up the sword.
2007-05-29 17:32:29 · answer #1 · answered by Jess 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I remember a Greek myth that speaks of a beautiful lady named Atalanta that refused to marry any suitor. Her father makes a deal with her that she must marry the man who defeats her in a foot race. The suitor, Hippomenes, uses three golden apples to distract her in order to win her hand in marriage. This isn't about a battle, but I think many of the elements are the same. Good luck in your search!
2007-05-29 00:54:59 · answer #2 · answered by kim 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There was also another Greek myth about a Thracian princess who her suitors had to defeat in wrestling. Those who failed were killed -- ancient wrestling was an oft-times deadly sport, since strangulation was allowed.
I can't quite remember her name though!
2007-05-29 03:22:09 · answer #3 · answered by Thalia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Atalanta was a warrior who refused to marry. She finally agreed to marry whichever suitor beat her. There were three that tried, I think. Each one tried to beat her at a different event. The third, having watched to first two fail at their events, challenged Atatlanta to a race. He cheated, using golden apples to distract Atatlanta, and was able to beat her that way. Honoring her agreement, she married him.
2007-05-31 12:40:36 · answer #4 · answered by n2bq 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Story of Medusa might be what you're looking for. i'd give you the tale, but i can't remember any of the names. it's basically man loves princess, father disapproves, father says man can marry the princess if he defeats the Medusa, an unbeatable monster. the man beats the unbeatable monster. the father decides to sacrifice the princess rather than have her marry the man. man saves princess, and then uses Medusa's head to turn father to stone.
you should look it up for more detail.
2007-05-29 03:24:12 · answer #5 · answered by nyxavenger 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
sounds like a modern feminist twist like Xena
2007-05-29 02:43:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋