The apple of discord holds great significance in Greek mythology as it sparked the events leading to the Trojan War. This golden apple was inscribed with "To the fairest," and was awarded by Paris of Troy to Venus (Aphrodite). This act incited jealousy among the goddesses Hera and Athena, ultimately leading to a series of conflicts. The apple symbolizes the discontent and strife that can arise from vanity and jealousy, elements that are crucial in understanding the complexities of human nature represented in mythology.