About this star:

Rukbat is from Arabic Ar-Rukbah, "The knee" of the Archer Sagittarius. Variously written Rucba, and Rucbar, from Ulug Beg's Rukbat al Rami, "the Archer's Knee"; in some early books it is Al Rami, the Archer himself. The Standard Dictionary has Ruchbar ur Ranich.

This star, alpha, and the two betas were known as Al Suradain, the two Surad, desert birds differently described, — by some as "larger than sparrows" and variegated black and white (magpies?); by others as yellow and larger than doves. (Allen).

Although figured as alpha it is not the brightest star in the constellation there are actually ten brighter stars in Sagittarius.

Influence of the constellation:

The Archer is associated with the Hebrew letter Vau and the 6th Tarot Trump "The Lovers". (Robson).