In
Greek Mythology,
Daphne was the daughter of the river god
Peneus and a
nymph of
Artemis (
Diana). Peneus despaired since his daughter had no desire to wed. She was content in her freedom as a
huntress.
One day in the forest, Apollo, the god of light and truth, saw Daphne in an outfit resembling a sundress and thought she was so fine. He wanted a piece of her ass so he chased after her, telling her not to be scared. Daphne, alone and frightened, ran for her safety. This excited Apollo even more so he pursued her further.
Soon, Daphne felt Apollo's breath upon her neck. She saw her father's river and begged him for help. She then felt her feet stuck to the ground and her limbs stiffening. Bark covered her and leaves sprang from her body.
Daphne became a laurel tree. Apollo watched the whole transformation in dismay. Mourning Daphne, Apollo resolved to have athletic event winners don their heads with laurel leaf wreaths so that Daphne would always be a part of his triumphs. The tree appeared to nod its boughs in consent.
The lesson of the story of Daphne is:
To avoid being raped, turn into a tree.