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Baucis and Philemon, an old couple from the land of Phrygiaancient country located in present-day Turkey, showed hospitality toward the gods and were rewarded. According to Greek myth, the gods Zeusin Greek mythology, king of the gods and husband of Hera (Roman god Jupiter) and Hermesin Greek mythology, the messenger of the gods; escorted the dead to the underworld (Roman god Mercury) assumed human form and visited earth disguised as poor travelers. When they reached Phrygia, they looked for shelter but were turned away by everyone except Philemon and his wife, Baucis.

The old couple gladly shared their small amount of food and wine with the strangers. Baucis and Philemon realized that their guests were gods after noticing that the wine jug never...