| Polycrates’ Ring | |
|---|---|
| |
|
Origin |
Polycrates |
|
Type |
Ring |
|
Effects |
Causes good luck |
|
Downsides |
Turns the user into a greedy tyrant. People may overthrow and kill the user |
|
Activation |
Throwing it away |
|
Collected by |
|
|
Section |
|
|
Aisle |
93086-5744 |
|
Shelf |
208136-5179-728 |
|
Date of Collection |
329 BC |
| [Source] | |
Origin[]
Polycrates was a tyrant of ancient Samos when he took control from his two brothers. He allied himself with Amasis II, pharaoh of Egypt, as well as the tyrant of Naxos, Lygdamis.. He plundered the islands of the Aegean Sea and the cities on the Ionian coast of Asia Minor, defeating and enslaving the navies of Lesbos and Miletus. He was also a patron of the arts and constructed temples for the gods on the islands he conquered. Polycrates later allied himself with the Persian king Cambyses II and was later killed by his troops. He ignored his daughter’s premonition, which saw him being washed by Zeus and anointed by the sun god Helios. He was reportedly killed in a disgraceful manner, with the body washed by rain and sunlight, fulfilling the prophecy.
According to Herodotus, Amasis thought Polycrates was too successful, and advised him to throw away whatever he valued most in order to escape a reversal of fortune. Polycrates followed the advice and threw a jewel-encrusted ring into the sea; however, a few days later, a fisherman caught a large fish that he wished to share with the tyrant. While Polycrates' cooks were preparing the fish for eating, they discovered the ring inside of it. Polycrates told Amasis of his good fortune, and Amasis immediately broke off their alliance, believing that such a lucky man would eventually come to a disastrous end.
Effects[]
The user will gain immense luck when the ring is activated properly. It first needs to be touched, then thrown away by the owner. The ring will travel for a few days until it returns to the user, granting that person good luck. It is very favorable if the ring returns in any way related to water. The user will become greedier over time and try to become a despotic leader. In many cases, the user will meet an unfortunate demise.