'Scaevola' is a fairly famous Roman morality story/myth. In the early days of the Republic, an Etruscan warlord lay siege to Rome, and commanded the siege from Ianiculus Hill - a practically indefatigable position from inside the city. Although Rome's hallmark skills were more in open combat than subterfuge, the leadership nevertheless decided to look for a way to infiltrate the camp of the besiegers and kill the Etruscan Warlord-king (whose name also eludes me unfortunately). Gaius Mucius was one of two spies to attempt this. I do not remember whether or not he volunteered or was elected by chance. Anyhow, Gaius Mucius succeeded in fooling the sentries, and made his way into the camp, only to be caught on his way to the tent of the Warlord-King. Together with his accomplice he was brought for the Warlord-King who questions them. The accomplice is quickly dispatched of, which leaves Gaius Mucius alone. Then there's a part that I really do not recall very well, but what it finally comes down to is the following. The Warlord-King refuses to believe that Gaius Mucius and his accomplice were sent to kill him, as it is such a badly planned and foolish attempt at him. On some sort of crazy Ancient-era dare, the Warlord-King asks Gaius Mucius to put his hand in the fire, and let it burn off if he is indeed speaking the truth. Gaius Mucius does so, losing his left hand, as the symbol of moral rectitude he is. In lieu of this action - and by virtue of the odd sense of humour Romans had back in the day - he was 'awarded' the cognomen of 'Scaevola'. 'Lefty' in poetic Latin.

Source: 6 years of Latin class as part of a Dutch Gymnasium. I think the book we used for these myths is called 'Fortuna' and came in a few different editions for high school level students.

P.S.: I really hope someone can give a more detailed and confidently told account of this awesome myth!