The Quiz: The cypress tree takes its name from Cyparissus in Greek mythology. What does ‘Cyparissus’ refer to?
A A bird
B A god of the river
C A boy
Cyparissus was a boy beloved by Apollo and other deities. Cyparissus’ favorite companion was a tamed deer. One day he accidentally killed the deer with his hunting javelin as the deer lay sleeping in the woods. Overcome with grief, Cyparissus was transformed into a cypress tree, which has come to be regarded as a symbol of mourning.
The correct answer to this quiz is A boy.