Meet Daphne, an Ancient Greek naiad (a female water nymph). She was pursued by the Greek god Apollo, after he was struck by a curse that which made him lustful for Daphne. She on the other hand, was simultaneously struck by a curse that ensured she hated the touch of any man. As Apollo chased her, she wished for help from Gaia, the earth-mother. As Apollo reached out and tried to kiss her, she transformed into a laurel tree. Apollo was still so enamoured by her, even as a tree, that from then onwards he became associated with the laurel tree - wearing a crown of laurel, and his lyre and quiver being made from its wood.
