Apparently every has heard this story except for me, but if you haven’t already feel free to read onward. It is one of the best stories I’ve heard, definitely my favourite, and I’ll do my best to write it up. (The above pictures is of the scene at the old couple’s house)
Jupiter (Zeus) was thinking of destroying mankind, but wanted to give them one last chance. So he and Mercury (Hermes) came to Earth disguised as weary travelers and starting with the most wealthy, went from house to house to see if anyone would take them in and help them. Each of the wealthy said no, but as they made their way down to the poorer households of the neighborhood, they reached the house of an elderly couple by the names of Philemon and Baucis. The house was not very large, not much more than a shack, but when Jupiter knocked on the door and asked if they could be brought in and taken care of, the old couple eagerly said yes, excited to have guests. They fed them what they had, and even offered them their only goose, which the two respectfully declined. Over time, the old couple noticed that the wine bowl was refilling itself, and realised that these were not mere travelers, but that they are divine beings. After awhile, Jupiter and Mercury revealed themselves and warned the couple that they were planning on flooding the area, and to get to higher ground. Philemon and Baucis heeded their warning and immediately went to the top of a mountain, and watched as the land was flooded. But as they looked towards where their house had been, there was now a beautiful temple. Jupiter and Mercury now offered the couple a single wish, and Philemon and Baucis decided to wish that neither one would outlive the other. The gods granted their wish, and the couple went on to become priests of the temple. True to their wish, neither one died before the other, but after many years, the two transformed into trees in front of the temple.
