HippomenesInGreekmythology,Hippomenes,alsoknownasMelanion,wasthehusbandofAtalanta
AtalantaracedallhersuitorsandoutranallbutHippomenes,whodefeatedherbycunning,notspeed
HippomenesknewthathecouldnotwinafairracewithAtalanta,soheprayedtoAphroditeforhelp
ShegavehimthreegoldenapplesandtoldhimtodropthemoneatatimetodistractAtalanta
Aftereachofthefirsttwoapples,Atalantawasabletorecoverthelead,butwhenshestoppedforthethird,Hippomeneswontherace
Ittookallthreeapplesandallofhisspeed,butHippomeneswasfinallysuccessful,winningtheraceandAtalanta'shand
AtalantaandHippomeneswereturnedintolionsbyZeusorCybeleaspunishmentafterhavingsexinoneofhis/hertemplesbecausetheGreeksbelievedthatlionscouldnotmatewithotherlions
AnotheraccountsaysthatAphroditeturnedthemintolionsforforgettingtodohertribute
ThereaftertheydrewCybe