The knot of Heracles

In the Roman Empire and Hellenistic Greece, the knot of Heracles (or Hercules knot) is a decorative and symbolic knot. It refers to an element of Greek mythology where Hercules, after killing the Nemean lion, took its skin to wear and tied it by knotting the animal's paws in this way. This skin became an invincible armor for this Hero, and the knot became a symbol of strength and protection.

Necklaces with the Knot of Heracles. Wikimedia Commons license

By extrapolation, its power also applied against diseases. Pliny the Elder recounts its benefits: "It is astonishing how much more quickly wounds heal when the dressing [the bandage] is tied with the knot of Hercules: it is even said that a belt tied with this knot and worn every day has a certain utility, which is due to Hercules, the inventor of this knot." (Pliny the Elder – Natural History – Volume Two, Book XXVIII).

Furthermore, this symbol is also associated with marriage. Indeed, in ancient Rome, new brides wore a woolen belt tied with this knot that only the husband was to untie on the nuptial bed.