Daphne

Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Apollo and Daphne, 1622-1625, marble, 243 cm, Galleria Borghese, Rome

Daphne was a nymph, and the daughter of the river god Peneius.  After being mocked by Apollo for his shooting skills, Eros/Cupid shoots the god with a golden arrow, which makes him fall in love wth Daphne, and hits the nymph with a lead arrow, which makes her reject all advances.  Apollo chases Daphne, and just before he catches her, she pleads to her father for help and is transformed into a laurel tree.