21st Dec 2024
One sunny day, Cupid, the little god of love, sat by the riverside. "Why are those arrows so tiny?" laughed Apollo, the sun-god, shining brightly. "They can't do much harm!" Cupid felt hurt and flew away silently, deciding he would show Apollo just what his arrows could do!
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On the green grass atop Mount Parnassus, Cupid spotted the lovely Daphne, daughter of the river-god. Her golden hair shimmered like sunlight, and flowers bloomed at her feet. With a sly smile, Cupid drew a leaden arrow from his quiver and shot it straight into her heart, making her run in fear, without knowing why!
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Just then, Apollo, full of pride from his victory over the giant Python, saw Daphne running. “Daphne, wait! It's me, Apollo!” he called, his voice echoing. But Daphne was too frightened to listen. The little arrow made her feel a fear she couldn't understand. She dashed away, heart racing!
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Cupid wasn’t done yet! He then took his golden arrow and aimed it at Apollo. "This arrow will make him fall in love!" With a swift shot, he hit Apollo, who immediately locked eyes with the fleeing Daphne. Suddenly, he felt an overwhelming urge to chase after her!
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Racing along the riverside, Apollo shouted, “Daphne! Don’t be afraid! I’m just trying to talk to you!” But in her mind, all Daphne felt was fear. The harder Apollo ran, the faster she sprinted away, her heart pounding louder with each step.
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They ran until Daphne finally reached the bank of her father’s river. Breathlessly, she cried out, “Father, help me! Save me from this chase!” Hearing her plea, the river-god Peneus rushed to her side, knowing his daughter needed help.
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At that moment, before Apollo could catch up, Peneus transformed Daphne into a beautiful tree! Her body turned into glossy leaves, and her blossoms bloomed pink, just like her cheeks. Apollo arrived, but Daphne was now a tree before him!
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Heartbroken, Apollo gazed at the beautiful tree, realizing he had lost her. “Oh, Daphne,” he sighed, sadness filling his heart. But despite his sorrow, he couldn’t help but admire the tree that stood in her place.
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Determined to honor her, Apollo decided that this tree would stand beside his temple. He took its evergreen leaves to make a crown, a symbol of everlasting love. “This shall remind me of you, forever,” he whispered softly to the tree.
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Even today, in the land of Greece, the laurel tree still grows strong, a living reminder of Apollo's love for Daphne, a tale of arrows, love, and transformation, echoing through the ages.
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