2-6-12 A tale about Alexander and Bucephalus
Every country has had great leaders. The United States had George Washington, U.S. Grant, Abraham Lincoln, heroes by way of deeds. Greece had Aristotle, Socrates, and Alexander. Alexander the Great was the son of Philip, king of Macedonia.
One autumn day, when Alexander was a young boy, a horse dealer offered to sell to Philip, at the low price of only twenty dinars, a horse. Philip asked his wild horse trainers to break in the horse so as he could decide if he wanted him, but after many attempts; the men weren’t able to stay on the big black stallion. Philip ordered the horse to be led away since he would be of no use.
Alexander, who was standing nearby, had been an interested observer of the many attempts that were made to subdue the horse.
“That is an excellent horse. They don’t know how to manage him,” he said.
When he kept repeating what a great horse it was his dad finally said,
“Do you think you can manage the horse better than any of my men?”
“Yes, I’m sure.”
“And if you do not, what price will you pay me?”
“I will pay the price of the horse.”
The people standing around listening to the twelve year old talking to his dad burst into laughter at the boy’s remark. They were all looking forward to more amusement.
Alexander had noticed what the problem was. The horse seemed to be afraid of its shadow. When the bets were settled between him and his dad and the other betters, Alexander walked into the coral. Taking hold of the bridal reins he turned the black Arabian stallion to face the sun. The shadow moved behind the horse. For a time he patted and talked to the horse while the King’s entourage looked on. The horse gradually calmed down under Alexander’s voice, and touch. In about ten minutes, he raised his hand for the gate to be opened. He leaped upon the stallion. Alexander stuck low to the horse as it ran through the arena gate out into the Babylonian country-side. With the reins hanging loose, the horse ran free for 500 furlongs or more. Then they came walking back, at first out of sight atop of the stallion at a slow parade walk, just as any king would likely do. As they appeared visible everyone cheered. Philip, with tears of joy, kissed his son after he dismounted, and said,
“Macedonia will never be big enough for you and your horse. After I’m gone you must seek out a kingdom that will be worthy of you.”
And so it was, Alexander named his horse Bucephalus meaning “Father We Go.” The two of them subsequently went forth conquering the world, in the year his father was murdered, at the young age of nine-teen. With his Kings Home Corp, he made his first destination Persia. The Persia king had an 800,000 Army against Alexander’s 50,000. He Conquered the Persians!
Alexander went on conquering; fifty-two major battles. Winning fifty-two. Eventually he conquered India, thought to be the end of world. Bucephalus and Alex saved each other’s lives many times. No one human in all history, before or since, has conquered as vast an empire. But shortly after the two of them reached Southern India, Bucephalus died.
Alexander honored his Black Stallion humbly, by naming Providence in Northern Persia, Bucephalus
KARL WALLACE
To read more Karl Wallace stories go to: karlwallaceblog.blogspot.com
