Last week in the regular Wednesday post I wrote about Snow White — but I skimmed over the poison apple thing. After all, a deadly apple isn’t in all the versions of the story. But apples are common in lots of other stories, from the Bible to Greek, Irish, and Norse mythology.
By themselves, apples aren’t dangerous (unless they’re being thrown at you). Apple seeds do contain cyanide, but only a small amount. And there are a lot of non-deadly associations with apples: peace, youth, and irresistibility (such as the golden apples that distract Greek warrior Atalanta during her race).
But apples have long been associated with the dead, too. In another Greek myth, the first apple is literally a person who hanged themselves and was transformed by Aphrodite. And in Ireland, apples are common grave offerings, and coffins may be lined with apple wood. In fact the Gaelic holiday for the dead, Samhain — which served as part of the inspiration for today’s Halloween — was once known as the “festival of apples.”
In the US and in Scotland, there are tales of justice revealed by apple trees. A travelling salesman, or perhaps a farm laborer, is found murdered on the property of a local landlord. Of course, suspicion falls on the landlord — but due to the lack of evidence, they’re never charged with the crime. But next year, an apple tree grows from the spot where the man was found dead, and the flesh of the apples it bears is splattered with red. Thus, everyone can be sure that the landlord is guilty.
I’ve heard similar stories about red or mottled-red corn. They’re perfect for Halloween, because corn and apples are already at the forefront of our minds. 🙂
And of course, there’s the apple that got Adam and Eve kicked out of the Garden of Eden. And not only that one: during Medieval times, the Church taught that enchanted apples could cause demonic possession.
So, long story short — be careful when biting into that candy apple this season! And be sure to notice the color of its fruit. 😉
Selected Sources
Inkwright, Fez. Botanical Curses and Poisons: The Shadow-Lives of Plants. Liminal 11: 2021.
Tresidder, Jack. Symbols and Their Meanings. Duncan Baird Publishers Ltd: 2000.
