The Gordian Knot

In Greek legend, the Gordian knot was described as, “several knots all so tightly entangled that it was impossible to see how they were fastened.” It was said that whoever can untie the Gordian know was destined to become ruler of all of Asia.

Alexander the Great was entranced with the Gordian Knot. Initially, he struggled to untie the knot but then he drew his sword and sliced it in half, unraveling the unravelable knot.

Alexander the Great then went on to conquer Asia and much of the known world until his death at 32.

The phrase “cutting the Gordian Knot” is now a term used to describe a creative solution to a seemingly impossible problem.

See also Kobayashi Maru