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Mythological object

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Apple of Discord

The Apple of Discord is a mythological object that plays a pivotal role in the events leading up to the Trojan War. It is a golden apple inscribed with the word "Kallisti" ("To the fairest"), which was thrown by Eris, the Greek goddess of strife and discord, into the midst of the feast of the gods at the wedding of Peleus and Thetis.

Mythological Background

The story of the Apple of Discord begins with the wedding of Peleus and Thetis, the parents of Achilles. All the gods were invited to the celebration, except for Eris, who was known for causing trouble. In retaliation for being snubbed, Eris threw a golden apple into the gathering, inscribed with the word "Kallisti".

The apple was claimed by three goddesses: Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. They asked Zeus to judge which of them was the fairest, but Zeus, unwilling to favor any of them, delegated the decision to Paris of Troy. Each goddess attempted to bribe Paris: Hera offered power, Athena offered wisdom, and Aphrodite offered the love of the most beautiful mortal woman, Helen of Sparta. Paris awarded the apple to Aphrodite, thus setting in motion the events that led to the Trojan War.

Symbolism

The Apple of Discord symbolizes the destructive power of jealousy and rivalry. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of vanity and the pursuit of personal gain at the expense of harmony. The phrase "apple of discord" has since entered the lexicon as a metaphor for any small matter that could lead to a larger conflict.

Cultural Impact

The myth of the Apple of Discord has been referenced in various works of art and literature throughout history. It is often used to illustrate themes of conflict and the unforeseen consequences of seemingly trivial actions. The story has been depicted in paintings, such as Turner's "The Goddess of Discord Choosing the Apple of Contention in the Garden of the Hesperides."

Gallery

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  The Goddess of Discord Choosing the Apple of Contention in the Garden of the Hesperides by J.M.W. Turner
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  Modern artistic representation of the Apple of Discord

Related pages

• Eris (mythology)
• Paris of Troy
• Trojan War
• Helen of Troy