What Is The Legend Of Philemon And Baucis?

This story appears in the Roman poet Ovid's "Metamorphosis" but its origins are probably much older. Two gods decided to come to earth disguised as beggars, to test human goodness. Everywhere they were driven away, insulted and refused help. They had almost given up on the human race when they came to the house of a poor old couple, Philemon and his wife Baucis, who willingly shared everything they had with the "beggars," even killing one of their precious chickens, and offered them shelter for the night. In the morning the gods revealed their true identity. The old couple were terrified, fearing that their humble hospitality could not possibly have pleased their divine visitors. But the gods explained that they were delighted with the welcome they'd been given and wanted to give their hosts a reward. They could have one wish: anything they liked.
The couple decided that they lacked for nothing and had only one wish: to die, when their time came, on the same day. After many more happy years together, this was granted.

The myth of Philemon and Baucis begins on Olympus.  Zeus and Hermes decide to come down to Earth to a village and see how hospitable the people there were.  They went among the most regal looking houses and mansions, but were turned away each time.  Finally, they came upon a very humble looking house whose roof was not perfect.  When they knocked on the door, they were graciously invited inside.  Even though Pilemon and Baucis were quite advanced in years, they pulled up couches for the two strangers to recline in comfort.  They offered them their humble wine, although it was quite sour.  It took them a while to notice that no matter how much wine they drank, the bowl remained full to the brim.  After this the two divinities made themselves known and they all stepped outside.  The entire town had been flooded; only Baucis and Philemon had been spared.  Zeus offered that they should have whatever they most desired since they had been so gracious.  All they truly wanted was to die at the same moment, when their time came.  He said it would it be so, and in the meantime, he would like for them to care for his temple.  With that, Zeus and Hermes left them.  When the mortal couple turned around, their home had been transformed into a magnificent temple, all ivory colored with gold adornments.  They remained there for many years, until one day they got to talking about their old life.  They were standing in the same spot as they had all those years ago, when something began to take hold of their feet.  They only had time to bid each other farewell as tree bark began to cover them.  They had become two trees which share one trunk.