Creative Essay: Atalanta

Just what I wanted. A girl. They serve no purpose and a boy would have been so much better. Girls do not rule kingdoms. But no, I, King Schoeneus, was not fortunate enough to have an heir. A frown forms on my face as I look down at the child. The slaves are trustworthy enough, but not for this task, so I take it upon myself to perform the deed. I take the infant up in my arms and to a hill on the outskirts of the palace near the forest and throw her off. Do I feel remorse at tossing my child out into the elements like this? No, and in fact I soon forget that the female was even born.

Years pass and I still have no son sired to me. Who is supposed to take over the throne when I am gone? Offerings are made to the gods multiple times and still they do not bless my family. There is only one action left that I know to take: Visit the Oracle. The journey will be hard but I need to know if there is any hope. I take two servants and provisions with me. I have already prayed for protection because if I die… No, I refuse to think like that. The expedition is not easy, as expected, but fortunately the worst obstacle we encounter is a terrible thunderstorm. Reaching the residing place of the Oracle is a blessing because it means my quest for hope is almost at its end. If the news be bad, well, I have the whole way home to figure out what I will do for a successor.

I pay my offering before being seen. “I wish to know if I will have an heir to the throne,” I tell the Oracle. If she heard me she does not make any acknowledgment at first. After what feels like an eternity she speaks. “You will not have the son you desire,” she starts off. Just dandy. Even after all the sacrifices I made, there will be no male heir to show for it. “You will have a daughter instead, and not any daughter but the one you threw off the cliff.” Silence fills the room, or what is better called a cave. The news shocks me. Before I have time to fully process it the Oracle says “Good day,” which means leave in more pleasant words. On the way home my thoughts are consumed by the Oracle’s words. How is she alive? Babies do not survive the elements and starvation. That has been proven. Where has she been all this time? Then another thought strikes me. My daughter can marry and then her husband can rule as king after I am gone. Hopefully they will have more luck than me when it comes to having an heir. Until she shows up (the Oracle left out that detail) I will rule the kingdom like normal but be preparing for her arrival.

Only several months later does she arrive. A page runs into the throne room, bows, and then delivers the news. “Your highness, there is a young lady outside claiming to be your daughter.”

“Send her in,” I order.

He bows once more and hurries to let the woman in. She enters and stands about two yards in front of me. I had a feeling in my gut that this was indeed my daughter. “What is your name?” I ask since she never received one in her short time in the palace.

“Atalanta,” the woman says.

“Well, best we get you cleaned up.” I signal two servants to take her to a room that I had set aside for her return. Atalanta did not look like a normal girl. Her eyes were wild, her dress messy, feet bare. Where had she been?

At dinner it becomes evident that she was not anywhere civilized. For starters, she knows not which fork to use. Small talk is made before I bring up the subject of marriage. A horrified look stretches across her face, slight fury mixed with it. Atalanta does not say a word as she leaves the table. Later while in the library she comes in. “I will only marry if the man can beat me in a footrace. If they fail they die,” she proposes. I want her to marry and if this is the only way, what choice do I have? I consent and immediately have messengers spread the news. What choice does Atalanta stand anyway?

She proves me wrong. Week after week follow and young men continue to get butchered. “At this rate there will be none left,” I grumble. All my hope is fading when one contestant signs up. He knows what he’s getting into, yet he is confident. This race takes a different turn. Using golden apples he manages to pull ahead and win. Ecstasy fills me. There is hope for my succession after all.

My daughter and her husband vanished and have not been found despite lots of searching. They were on their honeymoon. I have not told the palace and court yet, but I believe they are gone for good. I have a brother who is blessed with two sons. My answer lies there. One will take over his throne, and the other mine. I am disappointed that it will not be my direct offspring ruling, but better kin than a stranger. I can die in peace knowing my affairs are in order and the kingdom will not crumble.