Are there any myths or legends about sapphire?

Some myths are that a Pharaoh ate one.

According to Greek myth amethyst was capable of protecting one from drunkenness and hangovers. The name itself literally means "not drunk." The prefix "a" in Greek means no and the verb "methustos" means "To Drink."

It is not uncommon then to see various drinking vessels from antiquity either carved from whole amethyst or seeing gold and silver goblets studded with amethyst in order to take advantage of its supposed benefits.

It is ironic then that a stone meant to shield one from the deleterious effects of alcohol is used by the organization Alcoholics Anonymous as a symbol of sobriety and a reminder to abstain from alcohol.