The Greek Gift

Kire ,playing out of Norway at the Internet Chess Club with the Black pieces, has played rather passively in this opening.  He has just retreated his f6 Knight back to the e8 square after being attacked by e5 pawn.




This loss of a precious King side defender is an invitation to one of the most well known sacrifices in tactical chess literature. All the pre-conditions exist for the Greek Gift. Black's h7 square is only defended by the King at g8. So after Bxh7 check, King captures Bishop and Ng5 check, it is curtains for Black as there is no way for his King to escape checkmate or  grievous loss of material.

Note that the c8 Black Bishop is in no position to defend the fatally wounded Black Monarch as the Bishop has no chance of getting to the b1-h7 diagonal.

Also I could not find anything related as to why this particular sacrifice is called the Greek Gift. Perhaps something to do with Greek Mythology? Not sure. Would love readers to leave comments on any knowledge they may have regarding the origin of the phrase.