Histories and Castles

The phrase “Fortune favours the bold” has echoed through history, inspiring warriors, explorers, and rulers alike. It is a call to action, a reminder that taking risks often leads to great rewards. But where did this saying originate, and how has it shaped historical events?

Origins of the Phrase

The Latin proverb “Fortes fortuna adiuvat”, meaning “Fortune helps the brave,” is often attributed to the Roman playwright Terence in the 2nd century BC. However, the sentiment dates back even further. The historian Livy recorded similar words in his account of the Roman general Quintus Fabius Maximus, and Virgil’s Aeneid later reinforced the idea with the phrase “Audentes fortuna iuvat”.

The concept was deeply ingrained in Roman military thinking. Courage and decisive action were seen as essential qualities of leadership, and those who hesitated in battle often faced ruin. For the Romans, boldness wasn’t just encouraged—it was a necessity for survival.

William the Conqueror and the Norman Invasion (1066)

One of the most famous examples of boldness leading to fortune is William the Conqueror and his invasion of England. The Norman duke took an immense gamble by crossing the English Channel with his army in 1066. His forces were outnumbered by King Harold’s Anglo-Saxon army, but William’s decisive leadership and battlefield tactics turned the tide at the Battle of Hastings.

William’s bravery paid off—he became King of England, changing the course of British history. His audacity in pressing his claim to the throne, rather than accepting defeat, was the very embodiment of “Fortune favours the bold.”

Richard the Lionheart: The Crusader King

Richard I, known as Richard the Lionheart, built his reputation on daring military campaigns, particularly during the Third Crusade. He led from the front, engaging in fierce battles against Saladin, the Muslim leader who controlled Jerusalem.

Despite being outnumbered on multiple occasions, Richard’s aggressive strategies resulted in victories, most notably at the Battle of Arsuf in 1191. His willingness to take risks, charging headlong into battle, solidified his legendary status. Though he never reclaimed Jerusalem, his reputation as a warrior king endured.

Robert the Bruce and Scottish Independence

Scotland’s struggle for independence in the early 14th century was another moment where fortune favoured the bold. Robert the Bruce faced long odds against the English crown, especially after King Edward I’s brutal suppression of Scottish resistance.

Yet, Bruce refused to accept defeat. He launched a guerrilla war against the English, using hit-and-run tactics to weaken their hold on Scotland. His greatest gamble came at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, where his outnumbered Scottish forces defeated King Edward II’s much larger army. His courage and calculated risks secured Scotland’s independence, proving once again that fortune rewards those who dare.

Boldness Beyond the Battlefield

The idea that fortune favours the bold is not limited to warfare. Many medieval rulers took great risks in diplomacy, exploration, and governance.

Eleanor of Aquitaine: A Queen Who Defied Expectations

One of the most powerful women of the Middle Ages, Eleanor of Aquitaine, was known for her boldness in an era when women were expected to be passive. She defied tradition by leading armies, participating in the Second Crusade, and influencing the politics of both England and France.

Her strategic marriages—first to King Louis VII of France and later to Henry II of England—made her one of the most influential figures in European history. Her fearless pursuit of power and influence ensured that her legacy lasted for centuries.

The Age of Exploration: Columbus and Beyond

As the medieval period gave way to the Renaissance, boldness in exploration became a new way to achieve fortune. Christopher Columbus, funded by the Spanish Crown, risked everything in 1492 by sailing west into the unknown Atlantic, convinced he would find a new route to Asia.

His daring voyage led to the discovery of the Americas, changing the course of history. Similar risks were taken by explorers like Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand Magellan, and John Cabot, proving that bold decisions often led to great rewards.

Lessons from History: Does Fortune Still Favour the Bold?

Throughout history, those who dared to take risks often reaped the greatest rewards. From medieval warriors to powerful queens and fearless explorers, the willingness to step into the unknown defined many of history’s greatest figures.

Even today, this phrase still rings true. Boldness in business, politics, and personal endeavours often leads to success. Whether on the battlefield or in everyday life, history teaches us that fortune does, indeed, favour the bold.

So the next time you’re faced with a challenge, remember the lesson of William the Conqueror, Richard the Lionheart, and Robert the Bruce: greatness comes to those who dare to take risks.