The water nymph Daphne, fleeing from her suitor Apollo, called on her father to help her resist the god’s rape. Her father, a river god, quickly turned her into a tree, whereupon she could only helplessly wave her branches to attract attention, making no sound other than a gentle rustling of her leaves. Apollo loved her more than ever. According to Bulfinch’s Mythology, he said, “Since you cannot be my wife, you shall assuredly be my tree. I will wear you for my crown. I will decorate with you my harp and my quiver . . . and, as eternal youth is mine, you also shall be always green, and your
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Never go to Greek mythology for “strong female characters”
