“I was born to be a war horse.”

Many know of Alexander the Great, as he was one of the most famous and controversial historical figures of ancient Greece. Son of king Philip of Macedon, a legendary warrior in his own right, Alexander spent his life consumed with the pursuit of world domination. Even as a boy he was of a strong mind and fervent personality. What story many don’t know is that of his horse, Bucephalus, and how their life together came to be.

Around the time of Alexander’s early teenage years, Philip, his father, obtained a horse of exquisite breeding standards. Said to have surpassed the mythical Pegasus in his grandeur and heroic attributes. One can imagine the elegant baroque musculature, his deep black coat glistening as he arrogantly pranced. The dock of his tail erect, main and tail thrashing threw the air. His face was adorn with a white mark on his forehead. The only undesirable physical trait being one eye discolored and blue. The problem? Every attendant who attempted to mount him was met with the fiercest of resistance.

Philip understood the potential value of the animal but because of his behavior decided to rid himself of the beast. Alexander, who had been watching closely the horse for sometime protested. He said to his father, “It is a shame to waste such a fine animal because of poor riders.” Philip who was well versed in horse flesh found Alexander’s word impertinent, but the boy persisted. Philip responded by essentially saying, “Who are you to question these men of experience?” Alexander again repeated his conviction, “..a shame to waste such a creature for the lack of others ability.”

Philip was annoyed with his son’s disrespect, but for the moment indulged him.
“So you think you can do better?” he replied.

Alexander responded that if he could not ride the animal then he would pay the large sum of his value in wager. If he could the horse would be his. Philip agreed to the terms, perhaps thinking his son would be taught a lesson.

The men surrounding looked on as Alexander approached the horse. Some in laughter, some in fear and concern that the boy would most certainly meet great injury from the creature. Alexander approached the horse kindly and confidently. He gently stroked his shoulder, neck and face, assessing his response as he did so. He took him by the reins, turning his head east, facing him towards the sun. In what seemed an instant he was atop the massive beast. In a flash they where off across the land in a furious burst of speed. Alexander allowed the horse to excerpt himself to fatigue. A short while later he rode back to the group of men where his father was standing. There was a feeling of shock and aw, followed by jovial cheers for the boys feat. His father then said to his son, “Seek yourself a kingdom fitting for yourself because Macedonia is too small for your greatness!” Bucephalus was now his and would be his closest and dearest companion for many years to come.

You may ask now, what was so special about the story? It is said, Alexander, by observation, found the horse to be skittish of the shadows. Something no one else had considered. When the others had attempt to mount the horse they would pay no mind to the clues of his aggression. They would simply become frustrated by the battle he posed them. Alexander was able to tame his horse threw understanding rather than force. He approached the problem from a different perspective. He turned the animal towards the sun to blind him from shadow. He kept his confidence about him in handling the animal, allowed him freedom of rein to gain his trust. From then on, they shared a bond that no other could obtain.



Yes, I’m dedicated. :)