The apple has always been a highly sought after snack and fruit and the story of who took the apple from the apple tree has been passed down through folklore for centuries. Although the original apple thief has never been definitively identified, there are various theories about who may have been responsible for the theft. The three main suspects are Eve, a mischievous monkey or a grizzly bear.
Eve, who was created by God in the Garden of Eden and encountered a talking serpent, is the most obvious candidate for taking the apple from the apple tree. In the Biblical story, Eve was tempted by the serpent to eat the apple, which she did, and then gave it to Adam. This leads many people to speculate that she was the one who took the apple from the tree. Others suggest that she didn’t actually take it, but was given it by the serpent, who presumably already had it in his possession. Either way, Eve is thought to have been involved.
Another popular theory is that a mischievous monkey was responsible for the theft of the apple. Monkeys are already known to steal things and it’s safe to say that a monkey with access to an apple tree would certainly have chanced it. Other reports suggest that it may have been a raccoon or a squirrel, but these are far less convincing.
Finally, and perhaps the most believable candidate, is an opportunistic grizzly bear. Bears have a habit of eating fruit, so it would certainly not be out of character for one of them to take the apple from the tree. The fact that bears can climb trees and can reach height much greater than a monkey or raccoon also backs this theory up.
Eve’s Motivations
One of the biggest questions that the story of who took the apple from the apple tree raises is why? Why would practically anyone eat an entire apple, let alone risk the repercussions of doing so? When it comes to Eve, many believe that her actions may have been motivated by curiosity, as she had likely not encountered food before, either through experience or hearing stories. The serpent may have tempted her with the idea of discovering something new and she eventually gave in to the curiosity.
Another motivation could have been a need to prove her worth. Eve, who was created second after Adam, may have sought out attention and approval from God by stealing the apple. It’s also possible that part of her decision to take the apple was made in order to demonstrate that she had the courage to go against God’s wishes despite the potential consequences.
Whatever her motives, Eve’s decision to take the apple from the apple tree has long been discussed and will probably remain a mystery for centuries to come.
Monkeys and other Animals
Monkeys, raccoons and squirrels were all considered to be potential Apple thieves in the second argument presented in this paper. While their motives for stealing the apple may be much different than those of Eve, they could have easily have been the ones who snatched the apple. Monkeys, in particular, are known for their ability to solve puzzles and have occasionally been known to do things that may appear to be malicious, such as stealing food from humans.
Some animals may not have stolen the apple with a malicious intent. Raccoons, for example, are known to be curious creatures and could have just been exploring the apple tree. Not to mention, the apple may have been stashed away for later use or enjoyed as a snack. Either way, it’s possible that an animal without any malicious intentions could have taken the apple.
On the other hand, some animals may have been motivated by a need for sustenance. Bears, particularly, can become desperate in their search for food if not given any other options. In this case, it’s quite possible that a bear could have been the one that took the apple, simply in pursuit of an easy meal.
Nature as the Culprit
Although the other candidates discussed are all likely suspects, it is also possible that the apple was taken by nature itself. Wind, rain or even birds could theoretically have carried it away. Considering the size of an apple, it wouldn’t take much for the wind to blow it off the tree and into the arms of another animal.
Birds, in particular, could be responsible for the disappearance of the apple. The weight of it may be too much for a small bird to pick up and fly away with, but pieces of the apple could certainly be picked up, which may account for why the original apple was never found.
Weather is certainly a factor to consider as well. Rain could either bring an apple down from a tree, causing it to become stuck in other branches, or it could wash one away faster than a bird or animal could get to it. In either case, the possibility of nature taking the apple can’t be ignored.
Other Possibilities
Apart from the aforementioned suspects and potential explanations, there are still other possibilities. An invisible entity, for example, could have taken the apple, or it could have been taken by a human other than Eve. Unfortunately, there is no definitive way to prove any of these possibilities, as they are all speculation at best.
It can also be argued that the original apple never existed in the first place. If this were the case, the story of who took the apple from the apple tree would become completely irrelevant, as it would never have existed in the first place. While this would solve the mystery once and for all, it is still up for debate as to whether or not it is true.
Additionally, there are even supernatural explanations for the theft of the apple that can’t be overlooked. It could have been taken by a spirit, for example, or even an extraterrestrial being. While these may seem far-fetched, they can’t be ruled out altogether.
Social Implications
The story of who took the apple from the apple tree has long been a source of both fascination and controversy. Depending on who takes the blame, the story can be seen as either a lesson in morality or a warning of the dangers of curiosity. In either case, it has become a part of popular culture and serves as yet another reminder of why humans should strive to lead a moral life.
The story of who took the apple from the apple tree is also seen as a warning of how technology can be used for evil. In the case of Eve, for example, technology was used to tempt her into a decision defined by God as sinful. This demonstrates how technology, no matter its purpose, can be used to manipulate and even control people.
Finally, the story is interpreted as an example of the power of choice. By taking the apple, Eve made a decision which would have long-lasting implications, both for her and for humanity as a whole. The consequences that followed, from being banished from the Garden of Eden to setting in motion the original sin, demonstrate to us all the importance of making wise decisions.
Traditional Interpretations
The traditional interpretation of the story of who took the apple from the apple tree is that Eve was responsible, and that her actions were caused by a combination of curiosity and a need to prove her worth. While this is likely true, it can also be argued that other suspects could have been involved, including mischievous monkeys, bears or other animals, or even nature itself.
Apart from the question of who took the apple, the story has traditionally been seen as a lesson in morality and a warning of the consequences that come from making bad choices. It can also serve as a reminder of how technology can be used for evil, and that the power of choice should be wielded wisely.
Finally, there are those who suggest that the apple never existed in the first place. While this would solve the mystery, it’s impossible to prove and still quite plausible that other entities were responsible. Regardless of the truth, the story of the apple thief remains an interesting and enduring legend.
