Catchphrase- “apple of discord” is a common phraseological unit not only in colloquial speech, but it can often be found in classical foreign and domestic literature. Many people know the meaning of this expression, but not many know the origin of this idiom. In this article we will try to clearly explain the origin of this idiom .
The history of the phrase “apple of discord” is very curious and interesting.
This phraseological unit was brought into the Russian language from ancient Greek myths.Legend has it that one day the goddess of discord named Eris was not invited to the wedding of two famous people in ancient Greece, Thetis and Peleus. Much later, these newlyweds would become the parents of the legendary Achilles. The angry Eris throws a golden apple on which is inscribed “the most beautiful.” Naturally, the most decided to take possession of such an apple beautiful women Athena, Hera and Aphrodite. A serious quarrel broke out because all three goddesses wanted to become the owners of such a treasure. The three ladies decided to call young Paris, who was the son of the venerable king Priapus, as a judge.
Paris, without hesitation, gives the apple to the beautiful Aphrodite, although other goddesses at that time offered him all sorts of benefits. However, Aphrodite helped Paris steal beautiful girl Helen, who was the wife of Menelaus. Because of this illegal act, the Trojan War broke out much later.
Historians attribute the expression “apple of discord” to the Roman scientist Justin, who used it to denote a certain subject of dispute. This man lived in the 2nd century AD.
IN ancient mythology The Roman Empire can also see the designation of this event.
Based on all of the above, the expression “apple of discord” can mean the subject of a dispute or the cause of enmity. Therefore, under no circumstances let us introduce “apples of discord” into your family and disputes and enmity will never arise between you.
Let's take a closer look phraseological unit "apple of discord" .
This is the story of how a small apple led to a big war.
Let's consider the meaning, origin and sources of phraseological units, as well as examples from the works of writers.
The meaning of phraseology
Apple of discord- cause of dispute, enmity
Synonyms: root cause of the conflict, subject of dispute
IN foreign languages There are direct analogues of the phraseological unit “apple of discord”:
- apple of discord (English)
- Apfel des Paris, Erisapfel (German)
- la pomme de discorde (French)
Apple of discord: the origin of phraseological units
In short, we are talking about a masterful provocation of the goddess of discord Eris, who threw a golden apple with the inscription “To the Fairest” on the banquet table. It is strange that there were only three contenders for this apple, but these were the elite of Olympus: the goddesses Athena, Hera and Aphrodite. The final result: geopolitical catastrophe, the Trojan War.
Perhaps everything would have turned out differently if all the gods and goddesses, without exception, of Eris, were invited to the wedding feast of the mortal Peleus and the goddess Thetis on Mount Pelion. It is worth admitting that even now we often “forget” to invite some aunt with a bad character to a family celebration.
Further, the dispute between the three goddesses could have remained a minor misunderstanding if Zeus had taken responsibility for determining the most beautiful (for example, he would have cast lots and that would have been the end of it). But he can be understood, because one of the contenders was his wife, the goddess Hera.
But that’s why he decided to delegate this difficult task to Paris, who at that time was herding a flock on Mount Ida in the vicinity of Troy and did not know that he was the son of the king of Troy, Priam, and his wife Hecuba (the one about whom it was said in Shakespeare’s Hamlet: “What is Hecuba to him, what is he to Hecuba?”)? Strange decision. But the supreme deity knows better.
Modest social status and the location of Paris was precisely connected with the expected disastrous consequences for Troy of the visit to him of three goddesses, accompanied by the god Hermes and the ill-fated apple.
Before the birth of Paris, Hecuba saw bad dream that gave birth to the torch that burned Troy. The dream interpreters explained it in such a way that this son would prepare the destruction of Troy and the entire kingdom of Priam. Therefore, King Priam ordered one of his shepherds to take the newborn to the top of Ida and abandon him there. But the child was nursed by a bear and later the shepherd took the boy to his place.
Aphrodite’s victory at the so-called Judgment of Paris was ensured by two things:
- She promised the young man Paris happiness in love - the possession of the most beautiful of mortal women, Elena. Apparently, for the young man this was more inspiring than the power and glory promised by Hera and Athena.
- She took care to make a special impression on Paris: she put on shiny, flowery clothes, soaked in incense spring flowers; I styled my hair and decorated it with flowers and gold. While her rivals considered such preparations unnecessary.
Later, Paris accidentally entered a competition organized by Priam in memory of him and won it. And sister Cassandra (soothsayer) recognized her brother Paris, to great joy parents and to Cassandra’s grief (she knew very well how it would all end, but as always, no one listened to her).
With the assistance of Aphrodite, Paris kidnapped the Beautiful Helen, the wife of the Spartan king Menelaus, which led to the Trojan War and the death of Paris and almost the entire family of Priam.
Sources
The story of the apple of discord is described in the works of Homer, Stasin, Lycophron, and Hyginus.
The first person to use the expression “apple of discord” in modern sense, became the Roman historian Justin in the 2nd century AD.
Examples from the works of writers
“One might think that you have brought an apple of discord in your pocket, my lord, or that you are a brand born of Althea, which she put in a keg of gunpowder, for you have quarreled among themselves the king, the prince and the duke, as well as many courtiers, before this blessed days who didn’t even know about your existence. (W. Scott, “The Adventures of Nigel”)
For example, I know of a case where a bank note of five pounds served as a bone of contention, and then completely destroyed half a century of affection between two brothers (W. Thackeray, “Vanity Fair”)
18.09.2018 18.02.2019 Alexander Firtsev
From Ancient Greece, which is also called the birthplace of philosophical expressions, the phraseological unit “ apple of discord", indicating the cause of the quarrel.
This idiom is shining example decorations artistic speech, where everyone can see their own meaning, but, laid down many centuries ago, its essence will remain unchanged. Where did this simultaneously sweet and contradictory expression come from?
The meaning of phraseology
History knows several references to the “apple”, namely in the works of Lycophron, Homer, Hyginus and Stasin. As you know, Justin, a Roman historian of the 2nd century, first introduced into speech the “apple of discord” as a phraseological unit, putting into it such meanings as “the cause of a dispute”, “the root cause of the conflict”, “minor disagreements leading to serious consequences”.
Over the centuries, similar expressions “apple of Eris”, “apple of Paris” have been encountered in artistic speech, but the most commonly used idiom remains “apple of discord”.
You can also find the expression “throwing an apple of discord”, for example, between friends, acquaintances, relatives, which means to quarrel or find a point of discontent between people, which will lead to a major conflict situation.
Origin of phraseology
Ancient Greece gave society large number legends about gods, brave heroes, strong unknown animals, sages, betrayal of friends, unrequited love. The meaning of the phraseological unit “apple of discord” originates in the legend of three goddesses, whose dispute caused the beginning Trojan War.
Wise Zeus, when the time came to get married, saw the daughter of Titan, Thetis, as his wife. But Prometheus, when he learned about Zeus’s choice, warned him, assuring him that her child was destined to take his father’s throne. Thetis was given to Prince Peleus. Their wedding celebration was attended by the invited gods of Olympus, except for Eris, the goddess of discord, who, offended by such disrespect, threw a golden apple with the word “most beautiful” inscribed on it at the wedding feast. Such a “gift” became the cause of discord between Hera, Athena and Aphrodite.
Finding a beautiful apple on the table, each of them proved that it was intended for her. It was necessary to judge the girls, but Zeus did not know how to do this correctly, because Hera was his wife, Athena was his beloved daughter, and no one could doubt the beauty of Aphrodite. It was decided to give the object of the dispute to the son of the king of Troy, Paris, who grew up among ordinary people and did not know about his predetermined fate.
When the apple was in the hands of Paris, the goddesses began to promise a reward for the right to be considered the most beautiful. Athena offered him to become a hero who would not lose a single battle, as well as wisdom worthy of respect. Hera gave power great power and power, but only Aphrodite knew what the young man secretly desired: the love of Helen, the queen of Sparta and the wife of Menelaus.
The goddess of beauty and love promised to a young guy help kidnap Elena, and she complied given promise, Paris got what he wanted, and Aphrodite was awarded an apple and the title of “most beautiful.” Such events caused the outbreak of war between Sparta and Troy, in which the Trojans lost the battle. As a result of disagreements and enmity, many died, including Paris himself.
Thus, the apple thrown by Eris became the reason for, at first glance, a frivolous dispute between the goddesses, which subsequently escalated into a military conflict between representatives ancient states, which left a bright mark on Greek mythology.
Tribute to art
It is noteworthy that this expression became a source of inspiration for the Flemish painter Jacob Jordaens, who in 1633 painted a painting called “The Golden Apple of Discord.”
IN at the moment his work creative activity can be seen in the Prado Museum in Madrid.
The sculptor Filippo Tagliolini also decided to perpetuate the meaning of the phraseological unit “apple of discord” in the sculpture of the same name, where he depicted the process of Paris giving the apple to Aphrodite. A masterpiece of 18th century art can be seen in national museum Capodimonte in Naples.
Apple of discord
Apple of discord
From ancient greek mythology. One day, the goddess of discord and enmity, Eris, threw a golden apple onto the banquet table. There was only one word of dedication on it - “To the most beautiful.” The female goddesses who were at the feast - Hera, Athena and Aphrodite - began a dispute about who should own this apple. They called the young man Paris, the son of the Trojan king Priam, as a judge. And Paris awarded this apple to the goddess of love Aphrodite. In gratitude for this, Aphrodite helped Paris kidnap Helen, the wife of the Spartan king Menelaus, which later became the cause of the Trojan War.
So the goddess of discord Eris achieved her goal: first a dispute arose, then a war.
Synonymous with a reason for hostility and dispute. This phrase was first used in this meaning by the Roman historian Justin (2nd century), who, apparently, should be considered the author of this catchphrase.
Encyclopedic Dictionary winged words and expressions. - M.: “Locked-Press”. Vadim Serov. 2003.
Apple of discord
This expression means: the subject, the cause of a dispute, enmity, was first used by the Roman historian Justin (2nd century AD). It is based on Greek myth. The goddess of discord, Eris, rolled a golden apple with the inscription “To the Fairest” between the guests at the wedding feast. Among the guests were the goddesses Hera, Athena and Aphrodite, who argued about which of them should receive the apple. Their dispute was resolved by Paris, the son of the Trojan king Priam, by awarding the apple to Aphrodite. In gratitude, Aphrodite helped Paris kidnap Helen, the wife of the Spartan king Menelaus, which caused the Trojan War.
Dictionary of catch words. Plutex. 2004.
Synonyms:
See what “Apple of Discord” is in other dictionaries:
"Apple of discord"- Apple of discord. Judgment of Paris. Painting by P.P. Rubens. 1638 39. Prado. “APPLE OF DISTRESS”, in Greek mythology, an apple with the inscription “most beautiful”, thrown by the goddess of discord Eris at the wedding feast of the mortal Peleus and the goddess Thetis; served... ... Illustrated encyclopedic dictionary
- (foreign) subject of dispute. Wed. There is an apple of discord between him and Linkin, and this apple is Daria Mikhailovna herself. Saltykov. Innocent stories. Arrival of the auditor. Wed. Among the movables was the famous tarantass, which almost served as a bone of contention... Michelson's Large Explanatory and Phraseological Dictionary (original spelling)
Cm … Dictionary of synonyms
A golden apple with the inscription of the most beautiful, which was thrown by the goddess of discord Eris at the wedding feast of the mortal Peleus and the goddess Thetis because they forgot to invite her to this wedding. Hera, Athena and Aphrodite began to lay claim to this apple. Goddesses... ... Encyclopedia of Mythology
In Greek mythology, an apple with the inscription most beautiful, thrown by the goddess of discord Eris at the wedding feast of the mortal Peleus and the goddess Thetis; caused a dispute between the goddesses Hera, Athena and Aphrodite; was awarded by Paris to Aphrodite for... Modern encyclopedia
In Greek mythology, an apple with the inscription most beautiful, thrown by the goddess of discord Eris at the wedding feast of the mortal Peleus and the goddess Thetis; caused a dispute between the goddesses Hera, Athena and Aphrodite; for a promise to help in the abduction of Elena... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary
APPLE OF DISTRESS, in Greek mythology, an apple with the inscription “most beautiful”, thrown by the goddess of discord Eris (see ERIDA) at the wedding feast of the mortal Peleus (see PELEUS) and the goddess Thetis (see THETIS); caused a dispute between the goddesses Hera... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary
APPLE, ah, plural. apples, apples, cf. Apple tree fruit. Antonovsky, anise, cinnamon apples. Summer varieties of apples. Dried, soaked, baked apples. Apple compote. I don’t fall far from the apple tree (a message about someone who inherited something bad, unseemly... ... Dictionary Ozhegova
- “THE APPLE OF DISCORD”, USSR, MOSFILM, 1962, color, 94 min. Comedy. The chairman of a prosperous collective farm, Ilya Rudenko, prepared for the ceremonial meeting of his famous fellow countryman, retired colonel Koval. Arriving in Zatishye to rest, the former... ... Encyclopedia of Cinema
APPLE OF DISCORD- who, what [between whom, between what, in what] That which gives rise to conflict, serious contradictions, quarrel, dispute. It is understood that any conflict situation is not groundless and is not created on its own: there is always something that provokes it, is... ... Phrasebook Russian language
Books
- Apple of Discord, Offenbach Jacques. Reprint sheet music edition of Offenbach, Jacques`Pomme d`api`. Genres: Operettas; Stage Works; Operas; For voices, orchestra; Scores featuring the voice; Scores featuring the orchestra; For voices…
Historians speak of this expression as one of the most ancient phraseological units. This phrase can be found both in the myths of Hellas (Ancient Greece) and in Roman mythological texts. Today, the phrase “apple of discord” is catchphrase. Versions of its origin are somehow connected with the mythology of the ancient Greeks and Romans, namely with the story of the dispute between three goddesses. “Apple of discord” is a phraseological unit that served as a prototype for many works of classical and modern art.
The myth of the dispute between three goddesses
The ancient Roman goddess of discord Eris was not invited to the celebration dedicated to the marriage of Peleus and Thetis. This circumstance aroused her anger and, having appeared at the holiday without an invitation, Eris threw her into the middle wedding table that same golden “apple of discord”, decorated with the inscription “To the most beautiful.” The struggle for the right to own the treasured fruit flared up between three goddesses: Venus, Minerva and Juno. None of those present at the celebration dared to express an opinion about the real owner of the apple, for fear of provoking the wrath of the other disputants. After consulting, the hosts of the holiday decided that it would be best to determine the winner of the dispute from Paris, the son of Priam and Hecuba. Even in infancy, he was left to die in the mountains because of the prediction of an oracle, which testified that Paris would in the future cause numerous troubles for his hometown- Troy. The boy survived thanks to the kindness of a simple shepherd who saved him and taught him his craft. At the time of the incident, the young man was dating one of the beautiful nymphs, Oenone. The lovers' caresses were interrupted by the townspeople's request to resolve the goddesses' dispute.
Who won the argument?
Minerva, who appeared before Paris first, promised that for the apple she would give the young man wisdom. He could have awarded the symbol of beauty - the apple of discord - to Juno, however, having seen the beautiful Venus, whose figure was girded with a magic belt, and having heard that for the apple the goddess was ready to give him a bride equal in beauty to herself, the young man without any hesitation gave the victory to her. Minerva and Juno were seized with terrible anger. Furious with envy, they vowed to take revenge on Paris for his decision. Venus, fulfilling her word to the young man, advised Paris to go to Troy to see his parents. Relying entirely on the admonitions of the beautiful goddess, who received the apple of discord, Paris abandoned his former love to Oenon. Accompanied by a group of shepherds, he went to Troy, where a great festival was taking place at that time. Taking part in festive competitions, the young man aroused the interest of Cassandra, who turned out to be his sister, who had the gift of prophecy since childhood. She pointed her family members to Paris, and then told the story of his birth, recalling the troubles that he was destined to bring to his relatives.
How the prediction came true
Thus begins the story about the main consequences that the bone of discord brought with it. The myth of the apple that quarreled the goddesses affected the lives of Paris's parents. The parents refused to believe their daughter’s fears and, trying to make amends for the old guilt before their son, provided him with protection in everything. Paris, without ceasing to follow the advice of Venus, took the fatal step of heading with the Trojan fleet to the shores of Greece. There the goddess helped him in kidnapping the wife of the Spartan king, Helen. This was the impetus for the start of the famous Trojan War, which destroyed one of the most ancient states of Asia Minor and disrupted the well-being of the Paris family.
When is it appropriate to talk about the “bone of discord”?
Nowadays, the phrase “apple of discord” is in some way a euphemism, denoting any insignificant thing or event that can in the future cause the most unpredictable large-scale, and sometimes devastating consequences. The apple of discord is called the key cause of scandals, quarrels and enmity.