Mucius Scaevola showing his intrepidity before King Porsena

Gaius Mucius was a Roman soldier who had killed King Porsena's secretary instead of the King himself, after penetration of lines. When he was taken prisoner, he amazed King Porsena by trusting his right hand in the altar flames. King Porsena, struck by this act of bravery, set the Roman hero free, who henceforth was called Scaevola, meaning left handed.