MELEAGRE. Meleager was the son of Althaea, wife of King Oeneus of Calydon. When Oeneus organized the hunt to kill the boar sent by Diana to ravage the country, he invited famous hunters from around the kingdom. Atalanta came from Arcadia to join the hunt, and Meleager fell in love with her. When he killed the boar, he presented her with its pelt, since hers was the first arrow to draw blood. The other hunters were enraged at Meleager's action (Met VIII.324-444; OM VIII.2002-2332).

The story of Meleagre and the boar hunt is painted on the walls of Diane's temple, KnT 2071, because Atthalante had sworn to follow the goddess. Cassandra tells the story when she interprets Troilus's dream, Tr V.1457-1519. Diomede is Meleagre's descendant and is thus identified with the boar of Troilus's dream. [Atthalante]

Meleagre, the OF variant, appears medially only; once with elided final -e, KnT 2071; and three times with final syllabic -e, Tr V.1474, 1482, 1515.