Daphne and Diana: A Sensual Retelling of Myth

Daphne and Diana

        Intro:

"Diana was the goddess of the moon and of hunting and protectress of women. Daphne, daughter of Peneus, a rival of Diana the virgin Goddess, “had many suitors, but she scorned them all; wanting no part of any man, she traveled the pathless groves, and had no care whatever for husband, love, or marriage.”

           A variation on a theme by Ovid:

     The forest is alive with the call of songbirds and the howling of wolves this morning as mother earth awakens from her slumbers. Mists rise from the stream which sparkles in the early morning sunlight.  The stream appears as a golden slip running over brown rocks, over a silver waterfall, and into a grotto. Green ferns hang from the black rock walls of the grotto.  
     The pool, below the waterfall, reflects the aspen and cottonwood trees which rise above the rock walls, whose green leaves stretch toward heaven to seek golden nourishment from the sun. A single black raven stands on a treetop cawing as his predatory gaze encompasses the scene.
     As the morning wears on the scene of primeval virginity is intruded on by a group of nymphs led by Diana. Their naked skin seems to glow in the soft morning light as they plunge into the pool laughing and swimming like sea lions in circular patterns. Diana swims out to a tall rock, jutting out of the water while holding her belongings in one hand above the water. She crouches cat-like on the pool island stone. She feels the cool air from the pool flow around her naked body and feels at ease.
     She dons her garland, belt, and bow with a quiver of arrows on her shoulder.  She dreams of honey bliss. Her thighs are sprinkled with starry droplets. They glisten with rainbow dew drops scattered like rubies on her golden breasts.
     She gazes through lash hooded eyes in morning wonder. A spring breeze breathes softly against her silken skin. She takes a reed flute from the waist pouch hanging from her belt.
     She gently enfolds the tip in the wet warmth of her rosy lips. Her ancient melody carries on the Aeolian wind.  It echoes like a mother’s sigh on the rocky spires. Loneliness penetrates the rosebud of her heart. The flames of her desire are stoked by visions of beauty.
     She feels the cool air seep between her legs where a golden orb of heat swells like a ripening orange. Sultry sunlight licks her bottom.
     As Diana sits on the rock playing her flute, the world seems to her as though freshly born out of the womb of the cosmic mother.
     Her reverie is interrupted by the sound of Cerberus, the dog with three heads. He howls and leads a pack of hunting hounds as Diana and her nymphs freeze while quietly listening. Suddenly Daphne emerges from the woods with her tunic torn and her scratched thighs and breasts exposed. She collapses on the sand by the pool and breathes deeply while curled in a fetal position.
     Diana swims to shore and calls her nymphs to action. They are poised around the entrance to the grotto with their bows pulled and ready for battle. Apollo rides up with Cerberus and the hounds leading. He stands at the entrance to the grotto with a golden halo of light surrounding his majestic body. Diana’s naiad hands her, her blade. Diana unsheathes her hunting knife and holds it at his throat. She tells him to go no further. Diana then orders him to kneel before her or die. He kneels and she marks him with the tip of the blade on his breast. She says, “When you see yourself reflected in the mirror with this mark, remember me and never again dare to challenge me. Now go!!”
     Apollo flees through the forest while the nymphs chase him to assure that he won’t trick them and return.
     Daphne lies on the grass by a tall oak tree. Diana applies ointment to the wounds which cover her thighs, breasts, and buttocks.  Daphne quivers like a scared sparrow as Diana gently strokes and soothes her with tender caresses.  Diana strokes Daphne’s blonde hair which glistens in the late morning sunlight.  Diana complements Daphne’s for her great beauty.  Daphne blushes as Diana gently kisses her on the forehead.  
     The nymphs surround Daphne and Diana, as they lie together while resting in each other’s arms. The day wears on and night falls.  The moon rises as the nymphs dance around a May Pole. While Daphne rests her head in Diana’s lap, the forest spirits, balls of light which glow like tiny stars, leap through the air in the preternatural night.  
     Diana gently leads Daphne by the hand into the dark forest. There they lie upon a bed of rose petals and make the sweetest love until pearls of glistening morning dew hang from their tresses.