Alexander and Bucephalus - Anita

• Three centuries before the rise of the Roman, Macedonia in Ancient Greece was ruled by a king named Philip II, who loved to buy beautiful horses in his leisure time. One day, he brought his young son, Alexander, to view a magnificent black stallion. The animal had a wild spirit, and threw off every person who attempted to ride him. Philip II was ready to send the horse away, but Alexander requested to ride the horse. He persisted until his father finally gave in.
• Alexander cautiously approached the nervous horse. He took the animal's bridle, and affectionately patted and rubbed it on the neck. Alexander observed the horse's habits, and found out that the poor animal was afraid of its own shadow! He turned the horse away from its reflection, and leaped on to its back.
• The stallion shied, bucked, and reared, but Alexander kept his balance and his seat. Eventually, the horse calmed down and accepted the fact that Alexander had broken his wild spirit. Alexander rode the stallion pridefully in front of his father, who immediately bought the animal and gifted it to his son, who named it Bucephalus.
• Sadly, in 336 BCE, King Philip II was killed, and Alexander became king of Macedonia. He inherited a mighty army, and within two years, he invaded Asia and built an empire covering most of the continent. Alexander had now become Alexander the Great, tamer of the mighty horse Bucephalus. The two had gone unscathed, battle through battle, together. They were inseparable.
• Seven years later, Alexander lead a battle near the Jhelum River, which is now located in Northern Pakistan. He and Bucephalus were in the midst of it. Luckily, Alexander emerged alive from the battle, but his horse didn't. Alexander found a city near the battle field, which he named Bucephala. The city vanished long ago, but one day it may be rediscovered, along with the tomb of the black stallion who carried his master to victory and glory.