The legend of the laurel, or the triumphal crown

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The legend of the laurel began in ancient Greece, the first place where this plant was used to make the famous “triumphant wreath.” Since then this shrub, and specifically its leaves, became a symbol of glory and power.

The legend of the laurel is very old and is always associated with victory or triumph.. That is why the laurel wreath is also known as the triumphal crown. Likewise, by extension, the expression “laureate” refers to a distinction of excellence in the field of education and culture.

There are many shields and flags that represent the triumphal crown in these emblems.. Rather than being derived from the legend of the laurel, they associate it with the symbol of victory that it represents; In most cases, they refer to the military victory that gave them unity or identity as a nation.

In several universities in the United States, the laurel wreath is awarded to outstanding students or those who complete their training cycle. Likewise, the University of Umeå, in Sweden, grants this distinction to those who obtain a doctorate degree. honoris causa, with the exception of doctors. All of this derives from the legend of the laurel.

“Laurel wreaths are carried away by a breath of breeze; against the crowns of thorns, the storm can do nothing”.

-Friedrich Hebbel-

The origin of the legend of the laurel

Everything indicates that the legend of the laurel has its origins in Greek mythology. It is said that Eros, god of love and sexual attraction, was very upset because Apollo was arrogant. The latter was one of the most influential deities of Olympus and had multiple powers. Furthermore, he possessed great beauty and charm.

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Irritated by Apollo’s many attributes and arrogance, Eros unleashed his wrath on him. That’s why, He shot him with a golden arrow, since it had a magical effect: it made the victim fall madly in love.. At the same time, Eros shot a lead arrow at the nymph Daphne; This had the opposite effect: it prevented anyone from loving whoever she reached.

So things are, Apollo saw Daphne and he was hurt and lost in love. So he started chasing her and she, unable to reciprocate, fled.. After running for a long time, and already exhausted, she asked her father, the river god Ladon, for help. He turned it into a laurel plant.

When Apollo reached Daphne, she had already begun her metamorphosis. Completely dejected, Apollo hugged the tree and began to cry. Convinced that he could no longer do anything about it, he said that from then on that would be his favorite tree. Also that its leaves would be always green and that they would serve to crown the most excellent men.. There the legend of the laurel was born.

The laurel in ancient culture

In ancient Greece, a laurel wreath was awarded to athletes who won in a competition and also to warriors who stood out in a contest. Likewise, in Rome the Caesars wore the triumphal crown because they considered themselves superior to all other human beings.

The belief also spread that Aeneas, when founding the acropolis, found many laurel plants there. That is why the idea spread that where the laurels dwelt, the sovereigns should also dwell.

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Likewise, a series of powers were assigned to the plant. The legend of the laurel says that, as the god Apollo was the deity of divination, by placing a branch of this plant under the pillow one would have prophetic dreams.

On the other hand, that Before a battle a bundle of laurel had to be burned; If it made a lot of noise, there would be luck; If it burned silently it was a bad omen.

Other variations of the legend

There are several cultures that have associated the laurel with divination. It is believed that this is due to the tradition of using the smoke from its leaves when they were burned to make predictions. However, another curious associated fact is that some variants of this plant have an active ingredient that can produce hallucinations, which can be interpreted as omens.

In Greece and Rome these plants were planted at the doors of palaces of the rulers, as it was believed that they provided protection. The historian Pliny called “Caesar’s gardens” any plant space in which laurel predominated.

According to the legend of the laurel, this shrub would also protect us from storms. For this reason, Emperor Tiberius wore a crown made from this plant every time the sky became overcast. Over time, of all the meanings of the laurel, the one that has become most popular is the one that relates it to triumph or success.