Apple of Discord

The Apple of Discord refers to a golden apple from Greek mythology that sparked a feud among the goddesses and ultimately led to the Trojan War. The story is primarily associated with the wedding of Peitho, the goddess of persuasion and seduction, and Pelops, a mortal hero. All the gods and goddesses were invited except Eris, the goddess of discord. In retaliation, Eris threw a golden apple into the wedding banquet, inscribed with the phrase "To the fairest one."

The apple was claimed by three goddesses: Hera, the queen of the gods; Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war; and Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. Unable to decide among themselves, they turned to Zeus for judgment. Zeus, not wanting to favor one goddess over the others, appointed Paris, a mortal prince of Troy, as the judge.

Each goddess attempted to bribe Paris with offers. Hera promised him power, Athena offered wisdom and skill in war, and Aphrodite promised the love of the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen of Sparta, who was already married to Menelaus, a Greek king. Paris awarded the apple to Aphrodite, setting in motion the events that led to the Trojan War.

The Apple of Discord symbolizes the power of envy and rivalry to disrupt peace and cause conflict. It has been referenced in various works of literature and art throughout history, serving as a metaphor for the unforeseen consequences of seemingly small actions.