Fennel. The name comes from the Greek word for "marathon" because the famous battle at Marathon (490 BC) against the Persians was fought on a field of Fennel.
Because the Greeks defeated the Persians at Marathon it was believed that fennel inspired courage and strength. Greek and Roman soldiers chewed fennel seeds before entering battle.
During the Middle Ages, fennel was hung above doorways and on rafters in order to ward off the devil. Fennel seeds were also placed inside keyholes in order to prevent ghosts from entering the house.
Because the Greeks defeated the Persians at Marathon it was believed that fennel inspired courage and strength. Greek and Roman soldiers chewed fennel seeds before entering battle.
During the Middle Ages, fennel was hung above doorways and on rafters in order to ward off the devil. Fennel seeds were also placed inside keyholes in order to prevent ghosts from entering the house.