|
|
Article: Noble laurel thrives in myth and history
- Article from:
- Chicago Sun-Times
- Article date:
- August 9, 1987
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright (null) Chicago Sun-Times. (Hide copyright information)
|
"Yet once more, O ye Laurels . . ." begins Milton's "Lycidas," a
poem infused with the imagery of ancient mythology. The laurel to
which it refers, Laurus nobilis, is a product of that mythology.
According to Ovid, the principal source on the matter, the god Apollo
fell in love with Daphne, a nymph of a decidedly chaste nature.
Apollo began to pursue Daphne, who fled. As the chase continued,
with Apollo gaining ground, Daphne called for help from her father,
the god of a nearby river. Just at the point of capture, Daphne was
saved by her metamorphosis into a laurel tree. Apollo grieved, but
resolved, "At least you shall be my tree. With your leaves, my
victors shall wreathe their brows."
...