Monday Minstrel: Bucephalus and LAPC #198

What does the horse of Alexander the Great, Bucephalus, have to do with this week’s Lens Artists Photo Challenge? The challenge from Patti is Light and Shadow. Here is the reason it is relevant to this famous horse.

Alexander the Great managed to tame the Thessalian horse.No one else had been able to do this. But Alexander, as a teenager, saw what the problem was. The horse was afraid of its shadow! So Alexander turned his head toward the light, toward the sun, so he could not see his shadow! Bucephalus, the name means ‘ox head, was named because he had brand on his haunch that looked like an ox head. Alexander rode Bucephalus in all his battles and at one time the horse was kidnapped. Alexander when into a fury and threatened to destroy the entire region unless the horse was returned immediately. Bucephalus was brought back with haste. He died at the great age of 30 in 326 BC. Alexander buried him in a tomb and named a city in the Punjab (Bucephala) to honor him.

If Alexander had not noticed how light and shadow affected Bucephalus the course of history might have been very different.

This is a 15th Century depiction of Alexander turning the head of Bucephalus away from his shadow and towards the sun. Photo from Kathleen Walker-Meikle’s book “The Horse Book, Horses of Historical Distinction”.

Comments

22 responses to “Monday Minstrel: Bucephalus and LAPC #198”

  1. Emma Cownie Avatar

    Fascinating story about Alexander and his relationship with this horse he cleraly loved and admired.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Without that horse things may have evolved differently in terms of all the battles he won and the territory he captured.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. pattimoed Avatar

    Fascinating, Anne. I didn’t know this. How perfect it is for our challenge! I love this story. A great metaphor for life…turning towards the light when the shadows threaten to overwhelm us. 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Thank you for this comment Patti. I like your connection of shadow and light and life.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. pattimoed Avatar

        😀😀😀

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Tina Schell Avatar

    Well now, as they say Anne, you learn something new every day! I must admit this was definitely a new one for me! Terrific and unique response.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Thank you Tina!

      Like

  4. JohnRH Avatar

    Fascinating, Anne!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Thank you John

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Amy Avatar

    Wow… what a story! Thank you for sharing with us, Anne.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Thank you Amy. Glad you found it interesting!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Amy Avatar

        BTW, The Kentucky derby 2022 was such a surprise! Great race!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. anne leueen Avatar

          It was amazing! I don’t know if the horse will do the same thing in the Preakness or Belmont however. But we shall see!

          Liked by 1 person

  6. Anne Sandler Avatar

    Amazing story! Thanks for sharing it with us.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      You are most welcome!

      Like

  7. Leya Avatar

    A fascinating story with this one, Anne! Thank you for posting on it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      My pleasure!

      Like

  8. Linda boom Avatar
    Linda boom

    Really interesting story today. I enjoy your writing.

    Linda book

    Liked by 1 person

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Glad you found it interesting. Thanks for commenting.

      Like

  9. Linda Book Avatar
    Linda Book

    Really interesting note on > > Bucephalus > > > Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Roadtirement Avatar

    Fascinating. Thank you for sharing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      You are most welcome.

      Like

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