Daphnis
Daphnis (laurel) In Greek mythology, inventor of bucolic poetry; a son of Hermes by a Sicilian nymph. He was exposed to die but was saved by shepherds and taught by Pan to play the flute and sing. Daphnis fell in love with Piplea (variant names for the naiad are Lyce, Nais, Nomia, and Xenea), entered a contest to win her hand, and was about to lose when Heracles killed his rival, Lityerses. In a variant myth, Daphnis promises Piplea he
would never fall in love with another woman. Daphnis broke his promise and was punished by the Muses with blindness. He died when he refused to eat after his five hunting dogs died. He has no connection with the myth of Daphnis and Chloe.
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend, Third Edition – Written by Anthony S. Mercatante & James R. Dow
– Copyright © 2009 by Anthony S. Mercatante
