The Gordian Knot

At Gordium, an ancient prophecy said whoever untied the complex Gordian knot would rule Asia. Alexander could not untie it—so he cut it with his sword. "Cutting the Gordian knot" now means solving problems boldly. At Tarsus, he bathed in the cold Cydnus River and nearly drowned from cramps. His doctor Philip prepared strong medicine. Just then Alexander received a letter warning Philip had been bribed to poison him. Alexander gave Philip the letter and drank the medicine while Philip read the accusation. His trust was justified—the medicine cured him, and he continued his conquests.