Bucephalus facts for kids
Bucephalus was the famous horse of Alexander the Great. He is one of the most well-known horses from ancient times. His name, "Bucephalus," means "ox-head" in ancient Greek. This was likely because of a special mark shaped like an ox's head on his body.
Bucephalus lived from about 355 BC until June 326 BC. He died after a big battle called the Battle of the Hydaspes. This battle took place in what is now Punjab Province in Pakistan. Some people believe Bucephalus is buried in Jalalpur Sharif. Others say he is buried in Phalia, a town named after him.
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How Alexander Tamed Bucephalus
Bucephalus was a very large horse with a big head. He had a black coat with a white star on his forehead. He also had a "wall eye," which means a blue eye. People said he came from the best horse families in Thessaly, a region in Greece.
When Alexander was about 12 or 13 years old, a horse dealer offered Bucephalus to Alexander's father, King Philip II. The horse cost a very high price, 13 talents. But no one could tame the wild horse. King Philip was not interested in buying him.
However, young Alexander was very keen. He told his father he would pay for the horse himself if he failed to tame it. Alexander was given a chance. Everyone was surprised when he managed to calm the horse. He spoke gently to Bucephalus. Then, he turned the horse toward the sun. This way, Bucephalus could no longer see his own shadow, which had been scaring him. Alexander also dropped his fluttering cloak. With these actions, Alexander successfully tamed the powerful horse.
The ancient writer Plutarch said that King Philip was so impressed. He told Alexander, "My son, you need to find a kingdom big enough for you. Macedonia is too small!"
Some old stories, like the Alexander Romance, say Bucephalus was a special horse from the start. They even say an oracle told King Philip that the future king of the world would be the one who could ride Bucephalus.
Alexander and Bucephalus's Bond
Bucephalus became one of Alexander's main warhorses. He served Alexander in many important battles. Alexander loved Bucephalus very much. This was similar to how the Greek hero Achilles valued his own horses. Achilles believed his horses were special and even immortal.
The historian Arrian wrote that Bucephalus died at the age of thirty. Other stories say he died from injuries during the Battle of the Hydaspes in June 326 BC. In this battle, Alexander's army defeated King Porus.
After Bucephalus died, Alexander honored his horse greatly. He founded a city and named it Bucephala after him. This city was on the west bank of the Jhelum River (modern-day Jhelum in Pakistan). Today, the town of Jalalpur Sharif is believed to be where Bucephalus is buried.
The legend of Bucephalus grew alongside Alexander's fame. Some stories even claimed they were born at the same time. After Alexander, many conquerors wanted to have a special favorite horse. For example, the Roman Emperor Caligula loved his horse Incitatus very much.
Bucephalus in Art and Stories
Bucephalus has appeared in many artworks and stories throughout history:
- The ancient statue group called The Horse Tamers in Rome is sometimes thought to show Alexander and Bucephalus.
- The French painter Charles Le Brun (1619–1690) created many paintings about Alexander. One famous painting, The Passage of the Granicus, shows Bucephalus fighting bravely. He is shown biting and kicking his enemies while crossing a difficult river.
- The 1979 film The Black Stallion includes a story about Alexander taming Bucephalus. This story is similar to events in the movie itself.
- In the animated series Reign: The Conqueror, Bucephalus is shown as a tall, powerful horse with a metallic jaw. Alexander tames him, and he becomes his loyal companion.
See also
In Spanish: Bucéfalo para niños
