Daphne changed to Laurel

myminifactory

Daphne is recognized as a minor figure in ancient Greek mythology, characterized as a naiad - a type of female nymph closely associated with fountains, wells, springs, streams, brooks and other freshwater bodies. Various mythological accounts exist, but the core narrative revolves around Daphne's exceptional beauty, which caught the attention and admiration of Apollo (Phoebus), a powerful god. Pursued by Apollo, Daphne sought refuge from her father, Ladon, rivergod, and Ge (Gaia) just before being overtaken. In response to her plea, Ladon transformed Daphne into a laurel tree. In Roman poet Ovid's epic work, Metamorphoses, Daphne is identified as the daughter of Pineios, a rivergod in Thessaly. The Pythian Games, held every four years in Delphi to honor Apollo, featured a wreath made from laurel gathered in the Vale of Tempe in Thessaly as its prize. According to Pausanias, this tradition was upheld because it is widely believed that Apollo fell deeply in love with Ladon's daughter (Daphne).