Story Summary
Discover the origin of the Trojan War in The Apple of Discord. Eris’s golden gift sparks a divine rivalry between Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite on Mount Ida.
At the wedding of Peleus and Thetis, all the gods were invited except Eris, the goddess of discord. Enraged by the snub, she crashed the feast and tossed a golden apple onto the table, inscribed with the words: 'To the Fairest.' Immediately, Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite claimed the prize. To settle the dispute, Zeus appointed Paris, a mortal prince of Troy, as the judge. Each goddess offered a bribe: Hera promised power, Athena offered wisdom and victory in battle, and Aphrodite promised him the love of the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen of Sparta. Paris chose Aphrodite and awarded her the apple. This choice secured Helen’s heart but ultimately led to her abduction and the devastating ten-year Trojan War.
The Moral
Small slights and acts of vanity can ignite catastrophic conflicts that spiral out of control.
“To the fairest.”
Fun Fact
The phrase 'apple of discord' is still used in modern English to describe the core of an argument or a small thing that causes a massive dispute.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Apple of Discord?
The story teaches that minor grievances and unchecked vanity can lead to disproportionately large disasters. It also highlights how personal bias and selfish choices can affect the fate of many others.
Who threw the Apple of Discord?
Eris, the goddess of strife and discord, threw the apple. She did this as an act of revenge after being the only deity not invited to the wedding of Peleus and Thetis.
What was written on the golden apple?
The apple was inscribed with the Greek word 'Kallisti,' which translates to 'To the Fairest' or 'For the most beautiful.' This vague inscription was designed to cause competition among the goddesses.
Why did Paris choose Aphrodite?
Paris chose Aphrodite because she offered him the bribe he found most appealing: the love of the most beautiful mortal woman in the world. This woman was Helen, the wife of King Menelaus of Sparta.
How did this story lead to the Trojan War?
Paris's choice led him to abduct Helen from Sparta and take her to Troy. This act prompted the Greek kings to unite and launch a massive military expedition to retrieve her, starting the ten-year war.
Which goddesses competed for the apple?
The three competitors were Hera (queen of the gods), Athena (goddess of wisdom and war), and Aphrodite (goddess of love and beauty). Each represented different virtues: power, wisdom, and beauty.
