What does the "Gordian Knot" mean? This saying is known to many people from the school curriculum when the phraseology and myths of Ancient Greece were studied in the lessons, but few remember who caused the knot to be called "Gordian", and why no one could untie it? The determination of the great commander Alexander of Macedon created not only a legend, but also an expression applicable in the 21st century.
What is the Gordian knot in Ancient Greece?
"Gordian Knot" - the meaning of this phrase is deciphered, as the knot created by King Gordius. According to the legends of Ancient Greece, the region where this happened was called Phrygia, the present part of Turkey. In the 4th century BC. e. the kingdom was deprived of the king, and the people went to the oracle. He predicted that the king will become a driver, whom the inhabitants will see, going to the temple of Zeus. This counterman was Gordius the tiller, who later became a wise ruler. In memory of this event, the king put the cart in the center of the temple, securing the yoke with a complex knot.
What did the "Gordian knot" connect?
The ruler of Gordius was sure that the kingdom was given him a cart, on which he traveled to Phrygia. In memory of this significant event, he decided to establish its center of the capital, which he called Gordeo. And that there was no temptation for future rulers to untie the wagon, secured the yoke with a very cunning knot, which created the concept of "Gordian knot". For the plexus, the king used a rope from a dogwood bast, which could not be torn. There are 2 versions that she related:
- The cart and the central pillars of the temple of Zeus.
- The dash and yoke of the wagon.
How to tie a "Gordian knot"?
For many centuries it was believed that the "Gordian Knot" was a myth, but later the scientists put forward a suggestion of what intricacies could correspond to it. Given that Phrygia was once part of Turkey, this knot could be the present Turkish knot. Outwardly, it resembles a ball with ends that are cunningly hidden inside, so that it is impossible to untangle it. If there is a "Gordian knot" - how to knit? Those who wish can repeat the act of Gordia according to the instructions:
- Take the meter of the rope, pull the right end longer than the left.
- The first end is rolled in a loop and put on the second.
- Lower the left end into the right loop, pass it and put it on the same loop, creating the left one.
- Align three loops and make a fourth loop from the second end. They also repeat the weave.
- It turns out a plexus that really forms a ball, if you insert pencils in the center and squeeze your hands. Pull the rods and pull the ends of the rope.
What does it mean to cut the Gordian knot?
"If you can not untie, then cut the" Gordian knot "- it is possible," the great commander Alexander of Macedon came to this conclusion. The Phrygians told him a legend that the one who unravels the knot will become the ruler of all Asia, and the hero decided to achieve what he wanted by cutting the rope. Thanks to this, the story received 2 phraseological:
- "Gordian knot".
- "Cut down the Gordian knot."
If the first idiom symbolizes an extremely confusing situation or a complex problem, what does it mean to "cut the Gordian knot"? Two similar explanations are also proposed here:
- solve the problem by one volitional decision, at its discretion.
- to make a decision without long reflection, with possible violation of the set conditions.
The king who cut the cut
Myth "Gordian Knot" tells that in 334 BC. Phrygia was captured by the great warrior Alexander of Macedon. When he learned the legend, supposedly the one who can unleash the knot of King Gordius, is worthy to be the ruler of Asia, he decided to prove his right. When the young commander realized that it was impossible to untangle the interlacing of ropes, and it was impossible to retreat from what was said, then, without hesitation, he set up a weapon. Although the warrior violated the conditions, the oracles recognized his right, explaining the situation that to conquer the world more realistically with the sword, without resorting to diplomacy.
Later, investigating ancient texts, the scientists found two variants of the legendary solution of Macedonian:
- The warrior cut the knot with one sword blow.
- I got rid of the knot, releasing the yoke on which the rope was wound.