A Tempting Clue: Exploring the “Golden Fruit” Behind the Trojan War
Welcome, crossword enthusiasts! Today’s blog post dives deep into a classic, mythical crossword clue that’s been stumping solvers for generations. We’re tackling a clue hinting at the “golden fruit that started the Trojan War, in myth.”
This seemingly simple phrase unlocks a rich tapestry of ancient tales, divine intervention, and ultimately, the legendary conflict that shaped Western literature and imagination. While we won’t outright give away the answer (that’s your fun!), we’ll explore the historical and mythological context that makes this clue so compelling.
Let’s first unravel the layers surrounding the Trojan War itself. The war, famously chronicled in Homer’s
Iliad
and
Odyssey
, is believed to have occurred sometime in the late Bronze Age, potentially around the 13th century BC. Though the historicity of the events described remains debated, the enduring power of the stories surrounding the conflict is undeniable. The war pits the Achaeans (Greeks) against the Trojans, sparked by the abduction of Helen, wife of King Menelaus of Sparta, by Paris, Prince of Troy.
However, beneath this surface narrative lies a network of intricate godly schemes and pre-war rivalries. The very catalyst for Helen’s abduction can be traced back to a seemingly innocuous object: a golden fruit. This fruit, a symbol of beauty and dispute, was the unexpected centerpiece of a wedding banquet thrown for Peleus and Thetis, the parents of the hero Achilles.
Eris, the goddess of discord, notoriously uninvited to the celebration, decided to crash the party with a vengeance. She tossed into the gathering a golden fruit, inscribed with the words “to the fairest.” Immediately, a fierce competition erupted among the goddesses Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite, each believing themselves to be the rightful recipient.
Zeus, wisely avoiding the unenviable task of choosing between his wife and two formidable daughters, assigned the judgment to Paris, a mortal prince known for his fairness (or perhaps, manipulability). Each goddess attempted to bribe Paris, offering him power, wisdom, or irresistible beauty. Aphrodite’s offer, promising him the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen, ultimately swayed his decision.
This fateful choice, driven by the desire for the golden fruit and the goddess’s alluring promise, set in motion the chain of events that led to the Trojan War. Paris, aided by Aphrodite, seduced and abducted Helen, igniting the wrath of Menelaus and his brother Agamemnon, who rallied the Achaean forces to wage war against Troy.
Therefore, when considering the crossword clue “Golden fruit that started the Trojan War, in myth,” you’re not just looking for a type of fruit. You’re looking for a symbolic object that embodies vanity, divine intervention, and the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition. Think about the goddess of discord, the wedding feast, and the judgment of Paris. Consider the implications of choosing beauty over power or wisdom. These thematic elements are key to unlocking the answer.
Good luck with your crossword puzzle! Happy solving!
Available Answers:
APPLE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0729-25 NY Times Crossword 29 Jul 25, Tuesday