Many meanings have been assigned to the persistent rhythm of "three shorts and an accented longer tone", known as "DI DI DI DAA", which has evolved into the characteristic symbol of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony.
Legend has it that Beethoven, when asked by his friend Schindler for the real meaning of this rhythm, answered "Thus Fate knocks at the door". There is no proof to the validity of Schindler's story, but the Symphony was soon nicknamed the "Fate Symphony", and the persistent motive is still called the "Fate Motive".
