Apollo and Daphne

Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini

Bernini immortalised the moment of Daphne's transformation into a laurel bush (laurel tree) in the form of a sculpture.

Apollo, the god of the sun, music, and poetry in Greek mythology, was struck by Cupid's arrow, causing him to fall deeply in love with the nymph Daphne. However, Daphne, who was also struck by Cupid's arrow but with the intention of aversion to love, wanted nothing to do with Apollo. As Apollo pursued her, Daphne, feeling trapped and desperate, pleaded with her father, a river god, for help. He transformed her into a laurel tree just as Apollo caught up to her. Heartbroken, Apollo declared the laurel tree sacred and vowed to cherish it forever. This tragic tale is often interpreted as a symbol of unrequited love and the enduring power of nature over human desires.