In the myth with Apollo, Daphne undergoes a transformation into a laurel tree to escape his advances. Pursued by Apollo, a god of the sun and prophecy, Daphne prays for help and is saved by her metamorphosis. This transformation symbolizes themes of purity and autonomy, as she chooses to escape rather than succumb to Apollo's desires. The laurel tree became sacred to Apollo, representing victory and honor, illustrating the complexities surrounding love, power, and the struggle for personal freedom in mythology.