What Does the Apple of Discord Mean in Barcelona?
When you visit the enchanting city of Barcelona, you may stumble upon a striking architectural masterpiece known as Casa Batlló. Designed by the renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, this magnificent building is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also a symbol of the city’s rich artistic heritage.
One of the most intriguing elements of Casa Batlló is the “Apple of Discord,” which holds a special significance within its design. This peculiar term originates from Greek mythology and refers to an event that led to the Trojan War. Let’s delve deeper into the meaning behind this intriguing feature:
The Legend
The story dates back to ancient times when Eris, the goddess of discord, was not invited to a wedding banquet attended by all the other gods and goddesses. In her fury, she decided to cause chaos by throwing a golden apple into the gathering.
The apple had an inscription that read “to the fairest. “
The Judgement
This seemingly harmless act sparked a rivalry among three goddesses: Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite – each believing she deserved the apple. Unable to settle their dispute themselves, they turned to Zeus for judgment. Zeus wisely appointed Paris, a prince of Troy, as the judge.
Each goddess attempted to bribe Paris with promises of power and love. Hera promised him political power, Athena offered wisdom and skill in battle, while Aphrodite tempted him with Helen of Sparta, reputedly the most beautiful woman in existence.
The Decision
After carefully considering his options, Paris awarded Aphrodite with the golden apple as he believed that love was more valuable than power or wisdom. This decision ultimately led to Helen leaving her husband Menelaus and triggering the Trojan War.
The Symbolism in Casa Batlló
So, what does this captivating myth have to do with Casa Batlló?
Gaudí incorporated the Apple of Discord into the design of Casa Batlló as a symbolic representation of his belief in beauty and harmony. The facade of the building features a colorful mosaic made up of broken ceramic tiles, forming a mesmerizing pattern reminiscent of scales or waves.
The undulating shape of the balcony railings resembles that of a dragon, further emphasizing Gaudí’s connection to Catalan culture and legends. This dragon-like feature is said to represent the slain beast in Saint George’s legend, another significant symbol in Barcelona.
A Visual Delight
With its vibrant colors and intricate details, Casa Batlló captures the essence of Gaudí’s unique architectural style. The Apple of Discord serves as a reminder that beauty can arise from discord and chaos, just as it did when Gaudí transformed an ordinary building into an extraordinary work of art.
Visiting Casa Batlló allows you to immerse yourself in the world of Gaudí and experience firsthand his innovative approach to architecture. As you marvel at each carefully crafted element, take a moment to appreciate how mythology and symbolism can be seamlessly woven into modern-day masterpieces like this one.
- Discover the enchanting beauty of Barcelona’s artistic heritage
- Uncover the mythological origins behind the Apple of Discord
- Explore Antoni Gaudí’s visionary architectural masterpiece – Casa Batlló
- Marvel at the symbolism incorporated within its design
- Experience how history and mythology merge in modern-day art
So, the next time you find yourself in Barcelona, make sure to visit Casa Batlló and witness the allure of the Apple of Discord firsthand. It’s a captivating symbol that showcases the power of imagination and creativity in architecture.