Bucephalus - a nickname that has gone into world literature as a common noun.Only the baby is not known who owned a glorious name.Today, it is believed that the animal called Bucephalus, is simply obliged to bring good luck.It is known that the horse of Alexander the Great - a creature that is in line with historical figures.Since it involves a lot of legends, memories, chronicles and other materials that prove or disprove its existence.What is the horse, where it came from, and how it relates to the great commander, and we will try to find out.
Taming of the Shrew
Everyone knows how the horse's name was Alexander the Great, but no one has knowledge of how he appeared before the king.And the story is not known.But there are several legends about the origin of the animal.On one of them, Bucephalus was purchased by the father of Alexander.He bought it from a dealer for 13 talents.King Philip long doubted whether he needs such purchase.After all, for the money that should pay for the horse, it was possible to keep a company of soldiers from one and a half thousand people.In addition, the animal had a wayward temper.However, the future king of Macedonia decided to tame the horse and for this trader reduce the cost of the stallion.Bucephalus afraid of shadows, Alexander noticed this, be smart and directed it toward the sun.
first all went quiet, the young man watched the horse bit her subdued.He gave vent to Bucephalus only when he realized that he poses no threat.King Philip looked at everything.But when Alexander did not conceal glee, rode up to him on a horse, he could not hold back tears.That's when Philip spoke words that sounded like a prophecy.Today, no one can quote them, but you can bring meaning to the phrase: Macedonia is small for Alexander, he must find a kingdom suitable by nature to him.
Then the future Macedonian ruler was only 12 years old.A Bucephalus, the horse of Alexander the Great, and that was younger.By the standards adopted for animals, the horse did not have great options.It reached the height at the withers 136-146 centimeters.But with all this, she received the nickname, which translates as "Bullhead" or "bychegolovy."
horse with a peacock tail
Another legend describes the appearance and origin of the horse is very nice and touching.It is believed that the favorite horse of Alexander the Great had a horn ivory and emerald peacock's tail.Alexander presented his birthday Egyptian queen.While Bucephalus fell into the hands of its owner, it was unbroken.Wild animal no one could tame, it was unusually large and feels like people are afraid of him.That is why no one could rein.But Alexander was known as a brave young man, defies fears.When he grew up, and was able to get afraid of himself, then ordered to bring the horse to him.
Bucephalus at the sight of his master showed humility, he poked his horn into the ground and waited for the orders of the king.Macedonia praised the act and called the name of the horse, which is known to this day.
origin of the name of the great horse
Let's understand how the horse's name was Alexander the Great, and what was justified choice of this nickname.Bucephalus - is the ancient Greek name, which means "Bullhead".There are several versions of why the animal has received a nickname.Some historians argue that the horse had a large massive head, which resembles the head of a bull.Other scientists suggest that there is a white spot on the forehead, to simulate all the same bull's head.For the text of the third legend, Bucephalus was marked by the stigma of a bull, as he grew up on the plains of Thessaly, and at that time all the animals raised near Pharsalus, observed just this stigma.
Bucephalus in war
Many mysteries surround the story of how the horse's name was Alexander the Great, where he came from and how he got into the hands of its owner.But it is known that he was a favorite of his master and took part in many military operations conducted by the conqueror.He was a friend, a support and protector.
Alexander is so fond of his four-legged friend that kept him safe from his enemies, and death.So, once the Great, going hiking in Asia, he took with him and Bucephalus.But that he was hurt, he kept him on a leash, and he used during the battles of other animals.In one of the battles one of the horses was killed.This time Alexander had saved his friend.
day still did not finish the commander of the horse, and he was kidnapped.It happened in Persia.Uksii local barbarians stole Bucephalus.On hearing this, Alexander threatened to wipe out all the people uksy if the horse does not return.Fearing death, thieves gave stolen, and the Great joy for the successful outcome of this event paid ransom to the kidnappers.
Death Bucephalus
the death of the horse has acquired no less legendary than his life and adventures.Who was the horse of Alexander the Great, we found out there know how he left this world.There is evidence that Bucephalus was killed during the battle with King Porus of India.But other sources have reported the natural death of the animal in extreme old age.It happened in India.And in the place of his burial, Alexander ordered to build the city of the same name.
