Love stories also belong to the old. Philemon and Baucis were elderly peasants in the country of Phrygia. Their story comes out of a wish granted to them by Zeus, the god of hospitality.

One day Zeus grew bored on Mt. Olympus. Hermes was nearby and suggested they venture to earth in disguise and test how hospitable the people of Phrygia were. As poor wandering travelers they knocked at every house, asking for food and a place to rest. Each time they were refused.

At last they came to the poor hut of Philemon and Baucis, located on a remote hill. This old couple cheerfully greeted and entertained them with great kindness. During the meal, as Philemon poured wine from a mixing bowl he noticed that it kept filling up by itself. He suddenly realized that their guests were not human. The gods then revealed themselves and led the old couple to the top of the hill. When they looked around them, they saw that the town in the valley below had disappeared completely below a new lake. Their neighbors had not been kind, but still the old couple wept for them.

Their sadness soon turned to wonder as their humble hut was transformed into a stately pillared home with a golden roof. Zeus said to them, "I will grant you whatever you wish." The old couple whispered to one other. Then Philemon replied, "Oh, mighty Zeus, let us be your priests and serve you in this temple. When it comes time for one of us to die, please let us die together." Zeus agreed as the gods ascended to Mt. Olympus.

The old couple served for a long time in that great temple and they did not miss their small hut and cozy hearth. One day as they were standing in front of the building, they started talking about the old days. Suddenly each saw the other putting forth leaves. Their skin started to turn into tree bark. They embraced each other and cried, "Farewell!" Baucis was turned into a linden tree and Philemon into an oak, two different but beautiful trees intertwined with one another. In wonder, people came from afar to admire and hang wreathes on the branches in their honor.