Gordias
/ˈɡɔːr.di.əs/noun
Gordias was a legendary king of Phrygia in Greek mythology, traditionally associated with the Gordian knot.
Did you know?Ancient sources preserve Gordias as a Phrygian royal name, but its original meaning is unknown; the famous knot became a symbol of solving seemingly impossible problems by decisive action.
Etymological Timeline
8th–7th Century BCE
Phrygian
Gordias
“A Phrygian personal name; the original meaning is not securely known.”
5th Century BCE
Ancient Greek
Γορδίας (Gordías)
“The name of a legendary Phrygian king recorded in Greek historical and mythological tradition.”
4th Century BCE
Ancient Greek
Γόρδιον (Górdion)
“Gordion, the Phrygian city associated with Gordias and the famous knot.”
333 BCE
Greek tradition
Γόρδιος δεσμός (Górdios desmós)
“The Gordian knot, a famously intricate knot connected with the royal wagon at Gordion.”
16th Century
English
Gordian
“Relating to Gordias, Gordion, or the legendary knot.”
Modern English
English
Gordias
“The proper name of the legendary Phrygian king.”
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