Final answer:
Hippomenes changed his mind and decided to challenge Atalanta to a race after being struck by her beauty, which led to ardent affection, compelling him to take the risk.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the myth of Hippomenes, who challenged Atalanta to a race. Hippomenes initially did not want to race Atalanta as he understood the dangers associated with the challenge—any suitors who lost to Atalanta in a race were put to death. However, upon seeing Atalanta's beauty, he was struck by a strong degree of ardent affection for her. This was the driving force that changed his mindset; he decided to pursue her hand in marriage despite the risks. The intervention of Aphrodite, who gave Hippomenes three golden apples to distract Atalanta, was crucial to his victory in this daunting race.