The story is based on the myth of the golden apples, which are a central element in the tale of the Trojan War. In Hawthorne’s version, the narrative focuses on the three golden apples given by the goddess Eris to create discord among the gods. These apples are meant to be awarded to the fairest goddess, which leads to a rivalry between Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. The story of the apples ultimately sets in motion the events that lead to the Trojan War.Hawthorne's retelling is filled with rich, vivid descriptions and gentle moral reflections, typical of his approach to children's literature. Through the story, he explores themes of beauty, jealousy, and pride, highlighting the consequences of vanity and the ways in which seemingly small actions can have large and lasting impacts. While the myth is rooted in ancient Greek lore, Hawthorne’s version emphasizes the human emotions and motivations behind the mythological figures, making it more relatable to young readers.