The history of the phraseological unit apple of discord is short. What does the expression “apple of discord” mean?

The Russian language is incredibly rich and eloquent. The use of idiomatic phrases gives it a special charm. Through apt phrases you can very accurately express your thoughts. In addition, phraseological units, of course, decorate not only spoken, but also written and artistic speech. In fairness, it is worth noting that many idioms belong not only to the Russian people, but also have analogues in other countries and owe their origin to other nations. Let's talk about one of them. "Apple of discord". This phraseological unit originates in ancient greek mythology. By the way, myths different nations- one of the largest sources of origin of popular expressions.

We must famous legend about the dispute between three goddesses using the idiom “apple of discord.” This myth tells about the events that caused the Great Zeus to want to marry the beautiful Thetis, the daughter of a titan. However, Prometheus predicted to him that the son born by her would overthrow his own father from the throne. Therefore, he gave it to the Thessalian prince Peleus. Everyone was invited to the wedding, and only one Eris, the goddess of discord, was not invited, remembering her bad character. But the goddess harbored a grudge and wandered not far from Chiron’s cave, where a merry feast was noisy. She figured out how to take revenge for the insult. She took it and wrote on it one single word: “To the most beautiful.” And then she threw it on the banquet table. It was this fruit that later received the name “apple of discord.”

And the whole point is that Golden Apple and the inscription on it was seen by three Aphrodite and Athena. Goddesses are also women and they, like all ladies, also tend to consider themselves the most beautiful. Each of them claimed that the apple was intended specifically for her. The Thunder Goddess asked them to judge. However, Zeus decided to cheat. After all, Hera was his wife, Athena was his daughter, and Aphrodite was truly beautiful. Then he instructed Hermes to give the apple to Paris, the son of the king of Troy. The young man did not know that he was a prince, because he was raised by shepherds. It was on Paris that Zeus entrusted the responsibility to name one of the goddesses the most beautiful. Each tried to attract young man to your side. Hera promised him power and might, control over Asia, Athena offered him military victories and wisdom. And only Aphrodite guessed Paris' secret desire. She said that she would help him get the love of the beautiful Helen, and Leda, the wife of Atreus Menelaus, queen of Sparta. It was Aphrodite who gave Paris the apple.

Hera and Athena hated him and swore to lime. Aphrodite kept her promise and helped him steal Helen. This became the reason for the start of the war. Menelaus decided to punish the Trojans and return his wife. As a result, Troy was destroyed.

And the phrase “apple of discord” became popular thanks to the Roman historian Justin, who lived in the 2nd century. He used it for the first time to mean the cause of disputes, enmity, something small that leads to major strife. The “apple of discord” is also called the “apple of Eris or Paris.” In our speech we often use this idiom. Thus, they very often say: “An apple of discord has rolled between them,” if we're talking about about people who were once friends but are now at odds over trifles.

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 tending 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 horrible dream that gave birth to the torch that burned Troy. Dream interpreters explained it in such a way that this son would prepare the death 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 the incense of 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 to use the expression “apple of discord” in the modern sense was 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 barrel 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, was the first to introduce 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 a large number of legends about the gods, brave heroes, strong unknown animals, wise men, betrayal of friends, unrequited love. The meaning of the phraseological unit “apple of discord” originates in the tale of three goddesses, whose dispute caused the start of the 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 bestowed power, great strength 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 Helen, and she kept her 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, who 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 this moment his work creative activity can be seen in Madrid Museum Prado.

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.

23.03.2016

Quite often in works of Russian and foreign literature flashes popular expression"apple of discord". It is also used in conversation by fairly intelligent people to describe the reasons for the heated dispute. Almost everyone understands the meaning of the phraseological unit “apple of discord”, but few people are familiar with interesting history its origin.

The appearance in the Russian language of the expression “apple of discord” is closely related to ancient Greek mythology. Among the powerful gods of Olympus one of important places occupied by the goddess of discord Eris. She was not invited to the wedding celebration of Peleus and Thetis, who later became the parents of the famous hero Achilles. Of course, Eris could not leave such an act unpunished.

The insult prompted the goddess to throw festive table a golden apple on which was written a simple and seemingly harmless phrase: “To the most beautiful.” A passionate argument immediately broke out between the virgin Gods - Hera, Athena and Aphrodite. Each of them believed that she deserved to be called the most beautiful. The dispute over the apple could have lasted forever, but everyone understood perfectly well that sooner or later this action had to be stopped.

To decide who has the right to be called the most beautiful, the goddesses chose a judge, who became young Paris, the son of the Trojan king. Hera and Athena promised to generously reward the young man if he chose one of them, but Paris decided to give the apple to Aphrodite. For this, the goddess of love later assisted Paris in kidnapping the beautiful Helen, who was the wife of the Greek king Menelaus. Of course, the Greeks could not forgive such an insult and declared war on Troy.

Interestingly, in 1633, the Flemish painter Jacob Jordaens painted a painting based on this plot, which is called “The Golden Apple of Discord.” It is also worth noting that this phraseological unit was first used in the 2nd century AD. e. historian Justin. The expression turned out to be so colorful that it quickly gained popularity. Many classics in their works use the phraseology “apple of discord,” thereby highlighting the causes of a particular conflict.

In addition to the familiar and frequently encountered verbal construction “apple of discord,” the expression is also found in other forms - “apple of Eris” or “apple of Paris.” This phraseological unit is perfect for indicating the subject of hostility or explaining the reasons for the dispute. Such “apples of discord” can be thrown between several people. The main danger of such objects is that they are essentially insignificant, but their appearance leads to unpredictable and destructive consequences.

Many of us have heard and used the expression “apple of discord.” The meaning of phraseological units is clear to most. But its origin is not known to everyone. This story is interesting, and it is worth learning more about it.

From ancient Greek mythology, many succinct, figurative expressions have come down to the present day, which are actively used in modern speech. For example, “sink into oblivion”, “cornucopia”, “Achilles’ heel”. By the way, the brave hero Achilles is indirectly involved in this myth.

Achilles' parents were the sea nymph Thetis and the king of the region of Phthia Peleus. Their wedding became a magnificent celebration, where the powerful inhabitants of Olympus feasted. But they forgot to invite one influential guest. She turned out to be the goddess of discord Eris.

The offended celestial woman decided to take revenge. Eris quietly entered the celebration and threw a golden apple with the inscription “To the Most Beautiful” into the crowd of guests. A real commotion began between the invited goddesses. Each considered herself the most worthy. Three beauties especially claimed the title - the wife of the supreme god Zeus, the imperious Hera, the wise warrior Athena, and the eternally young Aphrodite.

Someone needed to arbitrate this dispute. The mighty Zeus withdrew, and the young man Paris (the son of the king of Troy, Priam) had to take the rap.

The goddesses began to tempt Paris with offers of all sorts of blessings, but he was seduced by Aphrodite’s promise to kidnap and give him the most beautiful of them as his wife. earthly women Elena.

It was the goddess of beauty and love that Paris called the winner of the dispute. Thus, Aphrodite, recognized as the “most beautiful,” provoked the Trojan War. Helen was the wife of King Menelaus of Sparta. The offended Spartans went to war against Troy...

On the meaning of the phraseological unit “apple of discord”

This story has been conveyed to this day by Greek myths. Expression has become a phraseological unit that means the cause of enmity, quarrel, conflict.

Even a not very significant event can lead to truly unforeseen, very serious and destructive consequences.

The expression acquired this meaning a long time ago. Back in the 2nd century AD, the Roman historian Justin used the phraseological unit in the meaning in which we know it today. The phrase turned out to be apt, colorful and succinct and quickly gained popularity. Today the expression is used not only in colloquial speech, but also in literary works.

When is it commonly used in the modern world?

If the phrase is successful, then its meaning is not lost over the years. As in those distant times, the expression means the cause of a dispute, a conflict situation:

1. For example, the prerequisite for the conflict between the owners of dacha plots was a dispute about the boundaries of land plots that was not regulated by law. The reason for the dispute is the border dividing the property.
2. Or this situation: the mother insists that her son must receive higher education. And the father is sure that it is better to study in demand male profession. A good car mechanic is always held in high esteem; decent earnings are guaranteed. And no universities are needed for this. The cause of discord in the family is the future of the child.

Analogues of the expression

The expression “apple of discord” is familiar and understandable to many. Most often, this is what they call the cause of strife and quarrels. The idioms “apple of Paris” and “apple of Eris” are used much less frequently. Sometimes the phrase “throwing an apple of discord between people” is used. But this does not change the meaning of the phraseological unit. Any, even trivial, reason can provoke a major conflict.

The main thing is that the cause of the dispute does not become the spark from which the flame of unnecessary hostility will ignite. Each participant in a quarrel will benefit from the ability to control oneself and control the situation. And then no “apples of discord” are scary.