[In James George Frazer's anthropological magnum opus "The Golden Bough," the opening depicts such a legend:
Near Rome, on the shores of Lake Nemi in the groves of Aricia, stood a temple of the forest goddess Diana, whose priest was fulfilled by a fugitive slave.
Once a fugitive slave assumed the role of priest, he was no longer a slave but bore the title of "King of the Forest."
Yet he led a life far from leisure and luxury; he had to constantly guard a Sacred Tree near the temple.
Armed with a blade, he would watch over the tree day and night, ever vigilant, fearing someone might approach it, for any other slave could claim the right to duel the priest if they managed to break a branch from this tree.
If the challenger could kill the priest in battle, the slave would take his place, becoming the new priest and "King of the Forest," embarking on a life of renown that was as terrifying as it was distinguished.
