Pitys (mythology)

Pitys was a figure from ancient Greek mythology who was once a nymph, which is a magical creature that lives in nature. She was a part of a group of nymphs who lived in the woods and cared for the trees. Pitys was in charge of a very special tree called a pine tree.

One day, the god Pan, who was known for being mischievous and causing trouble, fell in love with Pitys. He tried to convince her to leave her duties as a nymph and come live with him instead. But Pitys turned him down because she was dedicated to her work and her tree.

Pan did not take this rejection well, and in a fit of anger, he chased Pitys through the woods. She tried to escape him by hiding in her pine tree, but Pan caught up to her and used his strength to break the tree in half. Pitys was still holding onto the tree when it snapped, and she died instantly.

The other nymphs were devastated by Pitys' death and asked the gods to turn her into something that would endure and remain a sanctified, living symbol of their sorrow for her. The gods agreed and turned Pitys into a pine tree, which forever after would be a symbol of love and devotion, but also of the danger of unrestrained passion. Even today, pine trees are often considered a symbol of endurance and wisdom.