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Daphne the Victor by Karen Chappelow

The myth of Daphne and Apollo is a story of what happens when lust faces rejection.

Daphne, daughter of a river god, was a nymph bathing by the stream. Nearby, Cupid and Apollo were practising their archery. Apollo offends cupid with a condescending comment. Cupid then shoots a golden arrow into Apollo, which will cause Apollo to fall madly in love with the next thing he sees – Daphne. He also shoots a lead tipped arrow which leaves her impervious to love.

As Apollo terrifyingly pursues Daphne grabbing at her, she tries to flee. She calls upon her father for help, and he turns Daphne into a laurel tree. She chooses life eternity in darkness and silence over sexual assault.

The Daphne in my retelling of this ancient tale is taking charge. The snake is a symbol of Apollo who has been speared by the arrow. Daphne’s lips are sewn shut and her arm has undergone the transformation into the laurel tree. Her hair has become branches of the tree. Laurel leaves are a symbol of victory and here Daphne is victorious in this pursuit