The Gordian knot was a famous knot in Greek mythology. The Phrygians, having elected as king a peasant named Gordius, he dedicated his car and yoke to Zeus, in the acropolis of GORDIUM, and tied the knot of the yoke in so skilful a manner that an oracle declared whoever should unloose it would be ruler of all Asia. When ALEXANDER THE GREAT came to Gordium he cut the knot in two with his sword, and applied the prophecy to himself.
