Tarot History Forum

Al Craig wrote:
I'd have to start my own thread to explain why I believe any of that.

SteveM wrote: 29 May 2009, 20:26 Also, to picture someone hanging by their heel could be a simple representation of the classical idiom 'to lift up one's heels' against someone, meaning to betray them. It is found in classical Greek and Roman sources,* and in the bible in reference to Judas. So to lift up a traitor by his heel was possibly in allusion to the traitor Judas, who 'lifted up his heel' against Christ:

John 13:18 I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.

Christ here is quoting Psalms 41:9:

Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, who did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.

So hanging someone by their heel could be seen as fitting punishment for one who 'lifted up his heel' against his master.

So we have image (to lift up one's heel as image of treachery), concept (betrayal), and number (12th disciple).

*Edited to correct: While the idiom is certainly biblical, I cannot now find it in classical sources. I think I may have confused it that the time with the idiom 'kick against the goads' which is a classical idiom that is used in the New Testament.