LESSON 5. Atalanta : A Greek Myth

 

Reading

Atalanta : A Greek Myth

 

Long, long ago in Greece there lived a woman named Atalanta. She was raised by a family of bears, and grew up to be very strong. She was the fastest runner in Greece.

She was very beautiful and many men wanted to marry her. But she didn't want to marry and of them.

"If you want to marry me, we'll run a race," she said. "If you win, I will marry you. If you lose, you will be killed."

Many men thought they could run faster than Atalanta, but none of them could. One by one they lost and were killed.

A man named Hippomenes heard about these dangerous races. He came to watch. As soon as he saw Atalanta, he fell in love with her. "I will marry Atalanta," he thought.

Many men thought they could run faster than Atalanta, but none of them could. One by one they lost and were killed.

A man named Hippomenes heard about these dangerous races. He came to watch. As soon as he saw Atalanta, he fell in love with her. "I will marry Atalanta," he thought.

Hippomenes knew he could not run as fast as Atalanta. So he went to Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love and asked for help. "I love Atalanta. Please help me win the race."

Aphrodite gave him three golden apples. She said to him, "Throw each apple down in front of Atalanta."

When Atalanta saw Hippomenes, she fell in love with him, too.

"Please do not do this. You cannot win the race," she said.

"Don't worry. I will win," Hippomenes said.

Hippomenes and Atalanta began running. They were both very fast. But soon Hippomenes began to get tired. The goal was still far away. Hippomenes threw down the first apple. She stopped to pick it up, and Hippomenes ran on ahead.

Soon Atalanta caught up with Hippomenes. She was not tired at all. He threw down the second apple. Again Hippomenes ran ahead of her.

Now the goal was near. Suddenly Atalanta began to run faster. She passed Hippomenes. The goal was just ahead. Hippomenes threw down the last apple. Atalanta knew if she stopped to pick it up, she would lose the race. She thought, "I can win this race, but I do not want him to be killed." She stopped and picked up the apple.

Hippomenes won the race and the two lovers got married.

 

 

Dialogue 1

상호가 늑대 소년에 대한 책을 읽고 마이크와 이야기하고 있다.

 

Sang-ho : Do you think a child could live with animals?

Mike : Well, I don't know.

I think it's impossible.

Sang-ho : I read a story about some wolves. They raised a boy.

Mike : It may be true, but I don't believe it.

 

Dialogue 2

상미가 상호에게 숙제를 도와 달라고 부탁하고 있다.

 

Sang-mi : Help me do my homework, will you?

Sang-ho : What kind of homework?

Sang-mi : I have to read an interesting story, and tell the class about it.

Sang-ho : What's the problem?

Sang-mi : I can't find an interesting story.

Sang-ho : How about a Greek or Roman myth? They are very interesting.

Sang-mi : That's a good idea.