Brazen Bull
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About
The Brazen Bull is a torture device designed to resemble a bronze bull with a door in the side. As a method of torture and execution, a person is locked inside the bull and a fire is lit underneath, usually until they are burned to death. The brazen bull was thought to include piping on the inside leading up to the mouth that distorts the victim's screaming, making them sound like a bull. The device was purportedly invented by the Greek tyrant Phalaris and designed by the sculptor Perilaus sometime between 570–554 BC, who is believed to be the first victim of the device. The device became the increasing subject of memes in the late 2010s and early 2020s.
Origin
The brazen bull was purportedly conceived of and used by the tyrant Phalaris, who ruled Akragas between 570 to 554 BC and was known for his brutality. Phalaris purportedly had the bull designed and sculpted by Perilaus, who is also rumored to have been the first victim of the bull, however this claim is not confirmed.[1][2]
One of the earliest known memes to reference the Brazen Bull was posted to /r/HistoryMemes[3] by a now-deleted user on September 16th, 2019, garnering over 2,900 upvotes in six years.
Spread
Memes referencing the brazen bull became increasingly popular online throughout the 2020s. On September 10th, 2020, u/dontcryformegiratina posted a meme to /r/HistoryMemes[4] about using the brazen bull for small incidents and crimes, garnering over 23,000 upvotes in five years.
On July 15th, 2022, u/CT-4426 posted a Doge meme referencing the story of Perilaus being the first victim of the brazen bull to /r/HistoryMemes,[5] garnering over 2,300 upvotes in three years.
On March 16th, 2025, X[6] user @killingherass posted a piece of artwork depicting Pou getting tortured in a brazen bull, garnering over 89,000 likes in three days.
On March 17th, X[7] user @baconpancakee66 posted a drawing of Meg Griffin from Family Guy getting burned in a brazen bull with the face of Peter Griffin, her dad, garnering over 17,000 likes in two days.
Various Examples
Search Interest
External References
[2] Classical Association In Northern Ireland
[3] Reddit – HistoryMemes
[4] Reddit – HistoryMemes
[5] Reddit – HistoryMemes
[6] X – killingherass
[7] X – baconpancakee66
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