Daphne, << DAF nee >>, was a nymph in Greek mythology. She was the daughter of a river god, either Ladon or Peneus. The best-known myth about Daphne recounts her flight from the god Apollo. The god Eros shot both Daphne and Apollo with arrows in revenge against Apollo for insulting his skill as an archer. Eros shot Apollo with a gold-tipped arrow, causing him to fall madly in love with Daphne. He shot the nymph with a leaden one, making her hate all suitors. Apollo pursued Daphne relentlessly. One day, when he was finally about to catch her, Daphne prayed for escape and was transformed into a laurel tree. Although Apollo could not possess her, he made the laurel his sacred tree and wore a crown of laurel leaves on his head. See Apollo; Cupid.
