Who became a laurel tree to escape the embraces of Apollo?

The correct answer is Daphne. In Greek mythology, Daphne is a nymph associated with nature and is most famously known for her story involving Apollo, the god of music, poetry, and prophecy. According to the myth, Apollo fell deeply in love with Daphne due to her beauty, and he pursued her relentlessly. To escape his advances, Daphne prayed to her father, the river god Peneus, for help. In response to her plea, Peneus transformed her into a laurel tree. This transformation allowed her to evade Apollo's grasp, and as a result, the laurel tree became sacred to him. Apollo is often depicted wearing a wreath made from the laurel leaves, symbolizing victory and poetic achievement.

The other figures mentioned—Hera, Artemis, and Athena—do not have stories that involve a transformation into a laurel tree in the context of escaping from Apollo. Hera, being the queen of the gods and goddess of marriage, does not have a narrative that intersects with this particular myth. Artemis, the goddess of the hunt and a protector of nature, has her own separate stories of independence and chastity. Athena, the goddess of wisdom and warfare, also has narratives distinct from the tale of Apollo and Daphne. Hence