Daphne
Apollo and Daphne by
Gian Lorenzo Bernini, depicting the moment of Daphne's transformation into a laurel tree
chased the
nymph Daphne ("laurel"), daughter of
Ladon, who had scorned him. His infatuation was caused by an arrow from
Eros, who was jealous because Apollo had made fun of his archery skills. Eros also claimed to be irritated by Apollo's singing. Daphne prayed to the river god
Peneus to help her and he changed her into a laurel tree, which became sacred to Apollo.
Ovid. Metamorphoses. Book I: 452-567.