Netflix’s latest show Zero Day has generated significant buzz, with the phrase Gordian Knot playing an important role. But, what does that mean and what significance does that hold in Robert De Niro’s latest show? Here is a low down on its meaning.
What is the meaning of the Gordian Knot in Zero Day?
In Zero Day, Gordian Knot is used to describe a devastating cyberattack that affects the entire nation.
In the opening episode of Netflix’s Zero Day, President Evelyn Mitchell describes the series’ central cyberattack as a “Gordian Knot.” The Gordian Knot traces its origins to an ancient tale involving Alexander the Great.
According to legend, King Gordius of Phrygia tied an intricate knot so complex that no one could unravel it. A prophecy declared that anyone who could untie it would rule all of Asia. Instead of attempting to untangle the knot, Alexander famously sliced it apart with his sword, solving the problem through bold, decisive action. Over time, the phrase “Gordian Knot” has come to symbolize a problem so complicated that it seems unsolvable and requires unconventional or drastic measures to resolve.
This ancient metaphor, rich with historical significance, captures the chaos and complexity of the crisis unfolding in the show. For just one minute, all electronic devices are rendered useless in Zero Day, leading to catastrophic consequences. The aftermath leaves the government scrambling to uncover the perpetrators, but the digital trail is so tangled and convoluted that it mirrors the infamous Gordian Knot.
When President Mitchell tells Robert De Niro’s character, former President George Mullen, “We’re running shifts at Meade trying to sort through a digital trail that is basically the Gordian Knot,” she underscores the enormity of the challenge. The government’s response is equally extreme. Mitchell proposes forming a commission with sweeping powers, including surveillance, search and seizure, and even the suspension of habeas corpus—a move that shocks Mullen.
Originally reported by Devanshi Basu on ComingSoon.
