The Legend of Alexander the Great

Alexander crossed into Asia with an army of thirty-five thousand to face a Persian force numbering over a million. Before engaging the Persians in battle, he passed through the town of Gordium. There stood an ancient chariot tied with cords made of the rind of the Cornell tree. Legend had it that any man who could undo these cords would rule the world. Many had tried to untie the enormous and intricate knot, but none had succeeded. Alexander took out his sword and with one slash, cut it in half. This symbolic gesture showed the world that he would not do as others, but would blaze his own path.