"The Three Golden Apples" is a story from Nathaniel Hawthorne's "A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys." In this enchanting tale, Hawthorne retells a story from Greek mythology, specifically from the adventures of Hercules (Heracles). In the story, Hercules embarks on a quest to retrieve three golden apples from the Garden of the Hesperides. These apples are a wedding gift from Mother Earth to Juno (Hera), the queen of the gods. However, Juno is convinced that the apples are more beautiful than anything else in the world, and she doesn't want to share them with anyone. Hercules faces various challenges and encounters mythical creatures as he travels on his heroic journey. With the guidance of Athena (Minerva), he overcomes these obstacles and eventually reaches the Garden of the Hesperides. There, he meets the three beautiful nymphs who guard the apples: Hesperie, Aegle, and Arethusa. Through wit and persuasion, Hercules manages to obtain the golden apples. However, he doesn't keep them for himself; instead, he returns them to the gods, demonstrating his selflessness and virtue. Hawthorne's "The Three Golden Apples" is a tale of heroism, virtue, and the triumph of good over selfishness and greed. It's a wonderful story for both children and adults, offering a glimpse into the rich world of Greek mythology and the moral lessons it imparts.
