Daphne

Daphne was a beautiful nymph who lived near the river Pinios, her father. She loved the forest and spent her days hunting and playing with animals, away from love and people.

Her heart belonged to nature, and she had chosen to live a life of freedom and purity, like the goddess Artemis, of whom she was a devoted follower.

Apollo

Apollo, the glorious god of light, music and prophecy, saw her one day and felt his heart beat loudly. Daphne was the most beautiful nymph he had ever seen and he longed to be close to her.

Eros

But things were not that simple. Eros, the little god of love, had struck Apollo with an arrow that made him fall madly in love with Daphne. But he had also hit Daphne with an arrow that made her disgusted with Apollo.

Apollo started chasing Daphne through the forest, trying to talk to her and show her how much he loved her.

But Daphne, running scared, asked her father for help. "Father, save me!" she cried desperately.

Tree

The river god Pinios heard his daughter's prayer and decided to save her. The moment Apollo reached her, Daphne began to transform. Her feet became roots, her hands became branches and her body became the trunk of a tree. Daphne was transformed into a tree, the laurel tree.

Laurel wreath

Thus, he made the leaves of the laurel sacred and always wore laurel wreaths on his head to remember his eternal love for Daphne.