Story Summary
Discover the myth of Hera and the Golden Apple. Learn how a divine beauty contest and Hera's bribe to Paris ultimately ignited the legendary Trojan War.
At the wedding of Peleus and Thetis, the goddess Eris, bitter at being uninvited, cast a golden apple inscribed 'To the Fairest' among the guests. Three powerful goddesses claimed the prize: Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. To resolve the dispute, Zeus appointed the mortal prince Paris as judge. Each goddess attempted to sway him with a divine bribe. Hera, the Queen of the Gods, promised Paris absolute power and dominion over all of Europe and Asia, appealing to his ambition. Athena offered him supreme wisdom and victory in every battle. Aphrodite, however, promised him the love of the most beautiful woman on earth, Helen of Sparta. Driven by desire rather than duty or wisdom, Paris chose Aphrodite. Hera’s fury at being passed over was immense, and her subsequent resentment toward Paris and the Trojans became a driving force behind the catastrophic Trojan War.
The Moral
Vanity and the pursuit of power through bribes lead to chaos, proving that choices made from selfish desire have far-reaching consequences.
“To the fairest of them all.”
Fun Fact
The 'Apple of Discord' from this myth became a popular idiom used to describe the core or origin of an argument or a small matter that leads to a great dispute.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Hera and the Golden Apple?
The story warns that vanity and pride can lead to destructive conflict. it also suggests that choosing immediate personal gain over wisdom or duty often results in long-term disaster.
Who actually threw the golden apple?
The apple was thrown by Eris, the goddess of discord. She did this to cause chaos among the gods because she was the only one not invited to the wedding of Peleus and Thetis.
What was Hera's bribe to Paris?
Hera offered Paris political power and the status of an emperor. She promised to make him the ruler of all Europe and Asia if he chose her as the fairest goddess.
Why did Zeus refuse to judge the goddesses himself?
Zeus was wise enough to know that no matter which goddess he chose, the other two would be eternally furious with him. He delegated the task to Paris to avoid personal divine retribution.
How did the golden apple lead to the Trojan War?
Paris chose Aphrodite’s bribe of Helen’s love. When Paris took Helen from her husband, King Menelaus of Sparta, it triggered a massive Greek alliance to sail for Troy, starting the war.
What does 'To the Fairest' mean in the context of the myth?
The inscription 'Kallisti' or 'To the Fairest' was a clever trap by Eris. It appealed to the vanity of the goddesses, ensuring they would fight over who was the most beautiful.
