2006-10-13 16:51:49 · 10 answers · asked by Capt Bob 1 in Games & Recreation ➔ Other - Games & Recreation
an impossible problem to solve by normal means, in legend Alexander the Great CUT the Gordian knot
2006-10-13 16:53:22 · answer #1 · answered by Kuji 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A Gordian Knot is a legend associated with Alexander the Great. It is often used as a metaphor for an intractable problem, solved by a bold stroke ("cutting the Gordian Knot").
2006-10-13 17:02:58 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Gordian knot was an intricate knot located in a small village in Asia Minor. Legend said that the first person to untie it would become King of all Asia. Alexander of Macedonia took one look at the knot, and cut it open with his sword. He went on to conquer much of Asia.
Metaphorically, a Gordian knot is a problem which is difficult to solve.
2006-10-13 17:00:17 · answer #3 · answered by Dr Know It All 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's a metaphor for thinking outside the box.
Alexander The Great was reported to have found the "Gordian Knot" at one capitol city or another after yet another campaign of raiding and pillaging his way through Asia Minor.
Upon approaching the massive,impossibly untanglable "Knot" of who-knows-how-many feet of thick rope,he was told that anyone who untied said knot would be ruler of all the land.Many people before him tried,and failed,to untie the knot.
Alexander,being Alexander,drew his sword and cut the knot into shreds.
He didn't exactly "untie" the knot,but he did manage to get it loose! And then he went on to conquer other lands before he dropped dead somewhere near Babylon.
If you're into heavy metal,and want to hear a neat little song about this whole story then check out "Alexander The Great" by Iron Maiden....it's on their "Somewhere In Time" album.
2006-10-13 17:06:30 · answer #4 · answered by Danny 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By most definitions, an extremely complicated problem with a simple (but unorthodox) solution.
According to legend, whoever undid the famous Gordian Knot would eventually rule the world. Many people tried to untie it, but nobody could ever get it figured out.
Then Alexander the Great came along and just chopped the damn thing in half.
2006-10-13 16:59:28 · answer #5 · answered by Leon 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In mythology, it was a knot that could not be untied. Today it is perceived as a problem that is insolvable.
2006-10-13 16:55:18 · answer #6 · answered by price7204 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A knot tied by my buddy Gord.
2006-10-13 16:54:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I dont know what that is but I know what a hatchet knot is
2006-10-14 09:40:35 · answer #8 · answered by vinel10 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A legend. Read on: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordian_Knot
2006-10-13 16:54:04 · answer #9 · answered by kamaole3 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don know.
2006-10-13 16:54:32 · answer #10 · answered by William L 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋