The Gordian Knot

What was the gordian knot used for originally?

• To tie a horse to a post.

• To tie an ox cart.

• To bind Hercules

• To tie prisoners of Troy.

Gordius dedicated his oxcart to Zeus, tying it up with a peculiar knot. An oracle foretold that he who untied the knot would rule all of _________________.

• Asia

• Europe

• The Dester Plains of Athas

• Persiastan

Answer explanation

"Legend said whoever untied the knot would become the master of Asia." - Iron Maiden, Alexander the Great

For over 100 years the ox cart and the Gordian Knot were kept where?

• In a barn next to the kings palace.

• In the temple of Zeus.

• In the courtyard of the ancients.

• In the Church of the unknown god

What did Alexander do to untie the knot?

• Cut the knot with his sword.

• Used tools to unfray the complex and tight knot.

• Took a torch and burned his way through

• Since it was so old, he simply tore it with his bare hands

Answer explanation

He was "blessed" by the oracle for his ingenuity and did go on to conquer all of Asia by the sword.

Which best describes the type of thinking Alexander used to accomplish his goal of untying the Gordian Knot?

• Traditional thinking

• One dimensional thinking

• Outside the box thinking

• Uninspired thinking

Answer explanation

Yes! Aristotle had taught Alexander well!

What is the lesson of the Gordian Knot?

Answer explanation

The Gordian Knot teaches us that problems we face can be overcome with non-traditional thinking and actions.

Aristotle said "We ARE what we repeatedly do."

If we do excellent things repeatedly we are excellent. Is the REVERSE of this true? Why or why not?

What does this riddle mean to you?

How can you use its lesson in your life?

Explain r below.

Answer explanation

Don't get trapped in other people's view of things. Think for yourself.