Daphne was Apollo's first love. It was not brought about by accident, but by the malice of Cupid. Apollo
had teased Cupid about his prowess as an archer, comparing his skills to his own. Cupid, decided to get
even and he took his stand on a rock of Parnassus, and drew from his quiver two arrows of different
workmanship, one to excite love (tipped in gold), the other to repel it (tipped in lead). With the leaden
shaft he struck the nymph Daphne, the daughter of the river god Peneus, and with the golden one Apollo,
through the heart. Forthwith the god was seized with love for the maiden, and she abhorred the thought of
loving. He followed her; she fled and delayed not a moment at his entreaties. "Stay," said he, "it is for
love I pursue you.
The nymph continued her flight, and left his plea half uttered. And even as she fled she charmed him. The
wind blew her garments, and her unbound hair streamed loose behind her. The god grew impatient to find
his wooings thrown away, and, sped by Cupid, gained upon her in the race. Her strength begins to fail,
and, ready to sink, she calls upon her father: "Help me, Peneus! Open the earth to enclose me, or change
my form, which has brought me into this danger!" Scarcely had she spoken, when a stiffness seized all her
limbs; her bosom began to be enclosed in a tender bark; her hair became leaves; her arms became branches;
her foot stuck fast in the ground, as a root. Apollo stood amazed. "Since you cannot be my wife," said
he, "you shall assuredly be my tree. I will wear you for my crown; I will decorate with you my harp and
my quiver..And, as eternal youth is mine, you also shall be always green, and your leaf know no decay."
The nymph, now changed into a Laurel tree, bowed its head in grateful acknowledgment.(Ref:
"Bulfinch's Mythology")
Barbie & Ken have been transformed into the immortal couple of Greek mythology - he as the pursuant god
of light, and she as the reluctant maiden..//..This golden-blonde "real hair" Ken is now the golden god
Apollo. He is wearing a traditional style toga in a brushed antique gold that has a Greek key accent on
his shoulder, and more Greek key around his waist. He has golden two-toned wrist bracers and golden
lace-up sandals. He has been given a more sporty haircut and his eyes are a brighter blue. In his hand he
holds his (removable) golden lyre. (And although he is often depicted wearing a laurel crown - he is not
adorned by it until after he loses Daphne)..//..Barbie is equally stunning as Daphne, caught in time
during her transformation from a lovely maiden into a graceful laurel tree. She is part-human, part tree
and is in a permanent stand that has a felt bottom to protect surfaces. Her make-over includes my
realistic, dimensional eyelashes over leaf-green eyes. Her chestnut hair has reddish highlights - as well
as a touch of green, and has been given wild curls, plus loose leaves and sprays..
{Please know that I am a better OOAK doll maker than photographer and they look much better in
person.}///...A full version of the tale will accompany the dolls in their box...///...Together, they are
a wonderful decoration that can be a great addition to your mythology or fantasy collection.
"Fine Print"
I am not affiliated with Mattel. I transform "rescued/used" Barbies (Kens, etc.) into my own one-of-a-kind (OOAK) creations. The dolls are "used," but I make them into new creations, which is why they are given the "new" label selection. This doll comes to you as shown-items on doll are not removable (except where noted),but doll remains fully posable. Made in a non-smoking home. The doll is shipped in a gift box with tissue and a display certificate. (Background image is not included.) They are shipped in a gift box with tissue and a display certificate telling the full tale of Apollo and Daphne.
shipping, etc...
United States: Winning bidder to pay priority mail shipping/handling by zone (please see postage calculator) which includes insurance and package tracking.
International: Winning bidder to pay for shipping/handling via First Class Mail, Priority Mail, or Express Mail - PLEASE EMAIL ME FOR RATES. I do combine shipping.
I do combine shipping.