Luck

Luck is an abstract concept, based on incorrect assumptions about probability. It is a superstition and effectively a belief in a supernatural force that makes random events "favor" those who benefit from such events.

Gather 'round the campfire
Folklore
Folklore
Urban legends
Superstition
v - t - e
Stranger: You suck.
Me: You don’t even KNOW ME so that’s not an ACCURATE APPRAISAL but merely a LUCKY GUESS!
—Hippo[1]

It is very often characterized, objectified, and personified, even if not attributed to any deity. Luck may 'favor' an individual, or luck may turn into a quality or even just a force that a person may possess. Some people attempt to improve their luck by being in possession of so-called "lucky charms", essentially a physical object that when worn, rubbed, or brandished is believed to help influence a favorable outcome. These objects can be anything the believer can come up with: a rabbit's foot, a frequently worn pair of underwear, a penny, a particular team's towel (when you want to affect the outcome of a sporting event in the particular team's favor), or anything that can easily held or carried.[2] Luck is often said to 'turn' or change its allegiance when an unexpected outcome occurs, regardless of the circumstances.

Despite a lack of modern widespread belief in polytheistic deities like Fortuna (Roman) or Tyche (Greek), a 'Lady Luck' is referred to fairly commonly even in modern day, even by monotheists.

See also

References

  1. https://twitter.com/InternetHippo/status/922219879293480960
  2. Goats are notoriously difficult to carry around.
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