Phyllis was a Thracian princess who was in love with Demophon, son of Theseus. They were in the middle of their love affair when the Trojan War commenced, and Demophon went off to join the effort. After the war was over, Demophon started home - but his boat sprung a leak so the voyage was delayed. Phyllis couldn't know that. She waited for him by the shore day after day, but after nine months she died of sorrow in a place named Enneodos. Atena took pity on her and changed her into an almond tree. When Demophon came home, he hugged the tree (feeling her presence), and the tree burst into flowering blooms instead of leaves. Every year the Athenians dance in Phyllis' honor.