Plutarch's Life Of Alexander The Great

Alexander the Great is one of the greatest leaders in history. He created a legend that many kings, emperors, and generals use as a method of comparison. An initial hint of his greatness came from an early age when he tamed Bucephalus, the untamable. In Life of Alexander by the Greek philosopher Plutarch of Chaeronea, Plutarch recounts the tale that made king Philip realize his son was destined for greater things. According to Plutarch, Philonicus the Thessalian brought the horse to Philip, offering to sell it for thirteen talents; however, the horse was deemed too wild and vicious. Alexander, who watched closely, said, “What an excellent horse do they lose for want of address and boldness to manage him!”, This is only the first example of Alexander’s ingenuity.

Even from a young age, Alexander the great had an enormous amount of confidence in his abilities. Alexander’s keen insight allowed him to observe and take notice that the horse was disturbed at and afraid of the motion of his own shadow. He led the horse around, keeping the reins in his hands, and stroked it gently whenever he felt the horse’s eagerness and fiery attitude. In one swift movement, Alexander mounted the horse and tamed Bucephalus. His father burst out in acclimation and said, “O my son, look thee out a kingdom equal to and worthy of thyself, for Macedonia is too little for thee.” This event is important because it was at this moment that his father realized that Alexander was destined for things much greater that he could accomplish. Following the years of this event Philip hired many philosophers to teach Alexander and make him a worldly