Apollo and Daphne by Antonio del Pollaiuolo (probably 1470-1480)

Daphne and Apollo

Daphne was Apollo’s first love.

After falling out with Apollo, Cupid prepared two arrows. The first arrow he made of gold and enchanted to excite love. With this arrow he shot at Apollo. The second arrow he made of lead and enchanted to repel love. This arrow he shot at Daphne.

Apollo, in love, pursued Daphne professing his love for her. Daphne fled and would not listen to his entreaties. He chased her and fired by his desire began to gain on her.

She was afraid and her energy began to fade. Terrified, she called out to her father, Peneus, for help. She immediately began to transform into a Laurel Tree.

Notes:

Apollo is the son of Jupiter and Latona (Leto).

Apollo is the God of the Sun, music, poetry and medicine.

Daphne was the daughter of the river god Peneus.