Daphne is a Nymph and a minor nature deity in Greek lore. She was the daughter of either the river god Peneus or the river Ladon. She was pursued by Apollo who was in love with her due to being affected by Eros' arrow. Begging her father or Gaia for help, they turned her into a laurel.
Another variation of the myth exists where Daphne is a mortal girl pursued by Apollo. In any version of the myth it ends with the laurel becoming sacred to Apollo.
"A nymph of Greek lore who turned herself into a laurel to escape Apollo's pursuit. Affected by Eros' arrow, Apollo chased Daphne for days. When he had almost caught her, she prayed to Peneus, her father the river god, and was transformed into a laurel."
