Unravelling the Gordian Knot:history and usage
This is not the first time I have seen the term ‘Gordian Knot’ but reading Pieter du Toit’s The ANC Billionaires, I saw it again. So I decided it was time to explore.
The Gordian Knot, like many phrases that add to the richness of the English language, has a fascinating history.
The Legend
Our tale begins in Phrygia, an ancient kingdom in what is now Turkey. The story goes that a peasant farmer named Gordias unexpectedly became king, following an oracle’s prophecy. In gratitude, he dedicated his ox-cart to the god Zeus, tying it to a post with an incredibly interwoven knot. This knot, legend had it, could only be untied by the future ruler of all of Asia.
How Alexander sliced through history
Centuries later, Alexander the Great arrived in Gordium, the Phrygian capital, in 333 BC. Faced with the daunting knot, Alexander, not one to be vexed by complexities, simply took a sword and cut through the knot. Decisive action indeed. All ‘kudos’ for cutting the knot down to size, as it were, went to the King and that is how it entered our language.
Knot what you thought…
The Gordian Knot is more than just a historical anecdote; it’s a powerful metaphor. It represents a seemingly insurmountable problem, one that conventional methods can’t solve. Alexander’s “solution” has come to symbolize a bold, unconventional approach, a willingness to think outside the box and take decisive action.
Today, the phrase “cutting the Gordian Knot” is used to describe solving a complex problem decisively. It implies a solution that is both effective and unconventional, often involving a simplification or complete bypassing of the original problem.
Lasting legacy
The Gordian Knot is a fascinating blend of history, myth, and metaphor. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most effective solutions are the ones that dare to challenge conventional thinking and popular wisdom that you can’t solve the problem with the same thinking that started it. So, the next time you’re faced with a seemingly impossible problem, remember Alexander and his sword.