Atalanta in Calydon

work by Swinburne

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June 18, 2026

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Atalanta in Calydon is a verse drama by Algernon Charles Swinburne, published in 1865. It is noted for its attempt to recreate the spirit and form of Greek tragedy in English, showcasing Swinburne's finest lyric powers. The work draws from the Greek myth of Atalanta, a swift huntress and daughter of Schoeneus or Iasus.12

The legend of Atalanta includes her participation in the Calydonian boar hunt, where she drew first blood and was awarded the spoils by Meleager, with whom she was in love. Another famous tale involves Atalanta offering marriage to any man who could outrun her; she would kill those she overtook. Hippomenes won by dropping golden apples, distracting Atalanta long enough for him to win the race.2

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Algernon Charles Swinburne
…came with the verse drama Atalanta in Calydon (1865), in which he attempted to re-create in English the spirit and form of Greek tragedy; his lyric powers are at their finest in this work. Atalanta was followed by the first series of Poems and Ballads in 1866, which clearly display…
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…came with the verse drama Atalanta in Calydon (1865), in which he attempted to re-create in English the spirit and form of Greek tragedy; his lyric powers are at their finest in this work. Atalanta was followed by the first series of Poems and Ballads in 1866, which clearly display…
Read More