Even better was the exact manner in which he did it. The sacred birds were chickens - if they ate (and chickens are very often eager to eat, so this is usually an easy omen), it was a good omen for battle. If they refused - unusual - it was a bad omen. On this occasion they refused to eat - when the admiral in question was informed of this, he said, whilst tossing them into the ocean, “If they will not eat, let them drink!”
It’s really a shame he lost the battle, that would’ve been a metal line to defy fate on.
And boomers today complain about participation prizes.
Even better was the exact manner in which he did it. The sacred birds were chickens - if they ate (and chickens are very often eager to eat, so this is usually an easy omen), it was a good omen for battle. If they refused - unusual - it was a bad omen. On this occasion they refused to eat - when the admiral in question was informed of this, he said, whilst tossing them into the ocean, “If they will not eat, let them drink!”
It’s really a shame he lost the battle, that would’ve been a metal line to defy fate on.
“You lost! Gold star! We’re so proud of you!”