Apollo's primary crush was Daphne.
According to the provided reference, Daphne was the first love of Apollo. However, she never returned his affections. This rejection was notable because it was unusual for a nymph or mortal woman to resist the love of a god in Greek mythology. Daphne's attempts to escape Apollo's love even led to her losing her life.
Daphne's Rejection of Apollo
Daphne's story is a poignant one of resistance against divine pursuit. Her aversion to Apollo led to a dramatic transformation and is a central tale in Greek mythology involving unrequited love:
- Daphne was a nymph, a nature spirit.
- Apollo's advances were relentless.
- She ultimately prayed for help to escape him.
- As a result, she was transformed into a laurel tree.
This transformation made it impossible for Apollo to ever be with her, highlighting the depth of Daphne's aversion and her willingness to sacrifice her very being rather than submit to his love. She is a famous example in mythology of a woman who escaped unwanted divine attention.
