Apollo and Daphne

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Once Cupid had a quarrel with Apollo. The child god was offended because Apollo told him he was too young for archery and should leave bows and arrows to men. In revenge Cupid shot Apollo with one of his infamous love arrows, which cause their victim to fall in love with whomever he chose. Cupid selected Daphne to perfect his vengeance.

Daphne was a virgin nymph, mourning for the prince Leucippus. He had fallen in love with her and disguised himself as a woman so he could spend time with her. However, when the nymphs decided to bathe together one day his secret was revealed. Assuming his intentions were less than honorable, the other nymphs killed him before Daphne could intervene. After this Daphne swore to remain a virgin.

Burning with desire, Apollo used all his considerable charm to seduce Daphne, but she rejected him. Then, impatient and frustrated, he attempted to rape her. She fled in terror, but the enraged Apollo followed. The chase went on until Daphne realized she could not escape. She cried out to her mother Gaia for help. Gaia acted swiftly to protect her beloved daughter. Just as Apollo reached out to seize her, Daphne was transformed into a laurel tree. Apollo’s lust was replaced by shame, and he humbly broke off a single branch of the tree to wear in his hair.