The Apple of Discord

thingiverse

The apple was modeled by "Poh" and can be found here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:135964 I merely added the text. ***The story behind the Apple of Discord*** In Greek mythology, the Apple of Discord is credited with being the cause of the Trojan War, a ten-year war that ended with the destruction of Troy. It all started at the wedding of King Peleus to the sea nymph Thetis. It was a very grand event and all the divinities were invited save one — Eris, the Goddess of Discord, because who wants discord at their wedding? But Eris was very bitter about this all the same, so she decided to make trouble at the wedding by throwing into the banquet hall a wonderful golden apple that had been marked “For the Fairest.” Of course, Aphrodite (the Goddess of Love) knew at once that it was for her, but all the other Goddesses and even a few cheeky nymphs also laid claim to it. In the end, it came down to Athena, Hera, and Aphrodite. They took their grievance to Zeus and asked that he be the judge. Zeus was wise enough not to get himself involved so he told them that they should go to Mount Ida, near Troy, and ask the young Prince Paris to be the judge. Imagine his surprise when the three Goddesses appeared before him and asked him to choose which was fairest. Of course, in the true style of Gods and Goddesses, they each offered him a bribe to help sway his decision. Hera promised to make him Lord of Europe and Asia. Athena said that he would lead the Trojans to victory against the Greeks and lay Greece to ruins, but Aphrodite could see in his heart that the boy was no mighty ruler or warrior so she offered him the fairest mortal woman in all the world. As expected, Paris gave the apple to Aphrodite. In return, she brought him to Sparta to take the fairest mortal, Helen, the king’s wife, away from him. At that time, in that place, there was a strong tradition of hospitality. Guests were to be given every comfort that the host could afford, and in return of course, the guests were to be gracious and honorable. As such, Prince Paris was given a warm welcome when he called upon King Menelaus and was given the run of his home even while he went away to Crete. However, upon the king’s return, he found that his guest had stolen away with his wife. The king rallied his chieftains and in short order a thousand ships sailed for Troy to avenge Paris’s grievous deed and reclaim Helen. The result was the Trojan War, a ten-year war that saw thousands killed, Paris among them. Also, Troy was burned to the ground, the men and boys were slain, and the women were taken as slaves. But at least Aphrodite got her golden apple. Incidentally, Helen was eventually returned home safe and sound, so there is that.