In the tale of Daphne and the Laurel Wreath, Apollo
challenged Eros, or Cupid as some would say, to an archery battle. Eros would
shoot two arrows: One tipped with gold, creating a hopeless romantic of whoever
it struck, and the other tipped with lead, filling the person struck with
loathe for anything associated with romance or love. Eros shot his first gold
arrow and struck Apollo. He then struck Daphne, daughter of the river god
Peneus, with the lead arrow. Of course, Apollo quickly becomes infatuated with
Daphne and she in turn is disgusted. Apollo’s feelings push Daphne to her
father in seeking help. The river god’s powers allow him to transform his
daughter into a laurel tree in order to escape Apollo’s love. However, Apollo’s
love is never-ending. His feelings for the laurel tree are just as strong as
they were for the young girl. He creates and wears a wreath of her leaves which
is why the laurel tree is now a symbol for Apollo.
"Daphne and the Laurel Wreath."
Web. <http://faculty.asd.wednet.edu/~asmithson/daphne.htm>.
In our society today, there is constantly a push towards a
more youthful appearance. Hair dyes that targets the grays, anti-aging serums,
and plastic surgeries are all ways that many Americans strive for the much-loved
“eternal youth.” What they fail to realize is that we are all going to grow old
no matter how hard we try to impress everyone else. Loving others, myself, and
my insides will satisfy my longing for an eternal youth. Gray hair, wrinkles,
and hard hands and feet are just physical changes on the body from a long and
hopefully happy life. I think there is something beautiful in a person growing
old and still being just as bright and youthful as they have always been. I
admire how their positive spirit shines through and outweighs any kind of “eternal
youth” anyone could desire.
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