The Gordian knot was a legendary intricate knot tied by King Gordius of Phrygia. According to legend, an oracle prophesied that whoever untied the knot would become the ruler of Asia. Many tried, but none could succeed. When Alexander the Great came across the knot, he decided to deal with it in his own way. Instead of trying to untie it, he drew his sword and cut through the knot. The resulting saying "cutting the Gordian knot" has come to mean solving a complex or difficult problem with a bold and unconventional approach, disregarding the usual methods.