Polycrates, The Tyrant Who Tempted Fate
He hurls his emerald ring into the sea, daring the gods to end his luck. The next day, a fisherman returns with the ring inside a fish.
Unknown — "Terracotta cosmetic vase" (4th quarter of the 6th century BCE), public domain
Daring the Gods With a Toss
He hurls his emerald ring into the sea, daring the gods to end his luck. The next day, a fisherman returns with the ring inside a fish.
A Tyrant's Streak Too Bright
Polycrates ruled Samos by force and cunning—so successful, even his allies told him to fear his endless luck. He tried to break the streak with a sacrifice. The gods seemed to laugh in his face, sending his gift right back. When fortune refuses to turn, people get nervous.
When Luck Turns, It Turns Sharp
Legend has it Polycrates’ luck ended in betrayal and a brutal death. In Greece, too much good fortune is the most dangerous curse of all.
Polycrates ruled Samos by force and cunning—so successful, even his allies told him to fear his endless luck. He tried to break the streak with a sacrifice. The gods seemed to laugh in his face, sending his gift right back. When fortune refuses to turn, people get nervous.
