The apple of discord

Definition

The apple of discord refers to a golden apple inscribed with the words 'to the fairest,' which was the catalyst for a fierce dispute among the goddesses Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. This mythical object symbolizes the theme of envy and rivalry, ultimately leading to the Trojan War as each goddess sought to claim the title of the most beautiful.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The apple of discord was thrown by Eris, the goddess of strife, at the wedding of Peleus and Thetis as a way to instigate conflict among the goddesses.
2. Each goddess tried to bribe Paris with various offers; Hera promised him power, Athena offered wisdom and victory in battle, while Aphrodite offered him love.
3. Paris ultimately chose Aphrodite as the winner after being seduced by her promise of love, leading to his abduction of Helen.
4. The decision made during this event played a significant role in triggering the Trojan War, illustrating how jealousy can lead to dire consequences.
5. The story emphasizes themes such as beauty, desire, and the complex relationships among gods and mortals in Greek mythology.

Review Questions

• How did the apple of discord lead to the Judgment of Paris, and what were its immediate consequences?
  • The apple of discord was instrumental in instigating the Judgment of Paris by being thrown into a gathering where it incited competition among Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. Each goddess sought to win the apple for herself by offering Paris enticing rewards. This moment set in motion Paris's fateful decision that ultimately led to his selection of Aphrodite and her promise of love, which in turn resulted in his abduction of Helen and sparked the legendary Trojan War.
• Discuss how the symbolism of the apple of discord reflects broader themes within Greek mythology regarding beauty and desire.
  • The apple of discord symbolizes not only envy but also highlights how beauty and desire can create conflict among individuals. In Greek mythology, beauty is often associated with power and influence, as seen through Hera's and Athena's reactions to losing to Aphrodite. The quest for beauty led to not just rivalry among deities but also affected mortals like Paris. This theme showcases how superficial desires can have far-reaching consequences in relationships and societal structures.
• Evaluate the significance of Eris's role in introducing the apple of discord and how this action reflects on human emotions and conflicts within mythological narratives.
  • Eris's act of throwing the apple represents how external forces can incite internal strife among individuals or groups. By introducing an object that incites envy, she reflects on human emotions like jealousy and competition that often lead to conflict. This action serves as a narrative device that highlights not just personal rivalry among goddesses but also represents larger social dynamics within mythology, where individual desires can disrupt harmony and incite chaos on a grand scale.

Related terms

Judgment of Paris:

A critical event in mythology where Paris, a prince of Troy, is asked to judge which of the three goddesses deserves the golden apple, setting off a chain of events that leads to the Trojan War.

Hera:

The queen of the gods and goddess of marriage, who offers power and kingship to Paris in exchange for the apple of discord.

Aphrodite:

The goddess of love and beauty who promises Paris the love of the most beautiful mortal woman, Helen, thus influencing his decision in the Judgment of Paris.