Pythagoras seems to have had an impressive birthmark on his thigh that, amongst his fellows, was held to be a mark of divine favor - he was considered to have had a "Golden Thigh."

According to the legend, Pythagoras was once visited by an admirer who saw him as a divine being and wanted to touch his thigh as a sign of reverence. Pythagoras, who was known for his wisdom and spiritual teachings, allowed the admirer to touch his thigh, and when the admirer did so, he was immediately struck by divine light and realized that Pythagoras was a truly special and holy person. The legend goes on to say that the admirer's hand was so moved by the experience that it turned to gold and that Pythagoras had a golden thigh as a result.