Bucephalus characters

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The newest story I've been working on is that of Bucephalus, the magnificent warhorse of Alexander the Great. Using a mixture of history and my own innovation, I've been constructing a tale that tells what that time was like for Bucephalus.

Here is my cast of equine characters, mostly made up. More to be added later.

BUCEPHALUS- Alexander's warhorse. He is huge and mighty and handsome, coal-black but for a single white star on his forehead, the strongest and fiercest horse in Macedonia. His name means 'ox-head' because he was so big. As it was historically, no one could ride this incredible animal but Alexander, because he alone noticed that the horse was terrified of the movements of men's shadows, so when he turned him to face the sun and keep the shadows behind him, he could be ridden. From that moment on, they were inseperable.

When Bucephalus was very young, a general in Philip's army, Attalus, had a mind to buy the even now singular horse, and decided to train him. B is frightened by Attalus's rough handling of him, and refuses to listen. In a rage, Attalus runs the young horse down with a whip until he collaspes. The general lashes the young horse until he is unconscious. The last thing the horse sees before he's out cold is the man's shadow falling over him from behind. From that moment on he has a fiery hatred hatred for humanity, who has been so cruel to him, and has a viseral terror connected to men's shadows falling on him that makes him react violently to any man trying to ride him. He does not want anything to do with mankind, and hates all of them indiscriminately. Until, that is, he begins to know Alexander, who is extraordinary enough to change him mind. But there is a lot of anger of which Bucephalus must let go, an anger that has consumed him all his life.

CYTHERIA- Bucephalus' mother. She had been one of the fastest racehorses in the country, until Alexander's father King Philip, who was an admirer of her, bought her to be his saddle horse. She is bay, and B gets his star from her. Bucephalus's ordeal hurt her terribly, but she feels his loathing for all humankind is wrong. She, as both a racehorse and a palfrey, knows the bond that can be formed between a horse and his rider, and tells Bucephalus that there may be great evil in the race of men, but there is great good as well.

When Bucephalus and Alexander first come together, it is Cytheria who explains how important B will be to the prince. One such as him, she knows, will do great and important things, and in battle, it is the responsibility of his steed to keep him safe. She says "The fate of nations shall rest on Alexander, but the fate of Alexander shall rest on you." She keeps Bucephalus from losing himself in his anger, and teaches him of what his purpose in life must be.

ANCHISES- Bucephalus's father. He died some months before B's birth. Bucephalus is the very image of him, expect that B is bigger and has a star rather than a stripe. Ahcnises was one of the greatest warhorses the calvary of Macedonia had ever seen, though he fell in battle.

MAEGERON- King Philip's warhorse. He is huge and thick, an unmarked dark bay, and covered with scars. He is a little old for a warhorse, but still strong. He is the consummate veteran, and has borne Philip in countless battles. He knew Bucephalus's father Anchises and fought side by side with him once. It is he who teaches Bucephalus of the significance the calvary in battle. "Worlds are made," says Maegeron, "On the backs of horses." He is also the symbol of the bond between horse and rider.

PHOEBUS- The warhorse of General Antipater. A sturdy chestnut calvary horse with an upright mane and eyes that are more golden than brown.

NIKE- The general Parmenio's warhorse. A bay calvary mare with long legs and a streamlined build purchased in Greece.

THALIA- The saddle mare of Alexander's best friend Hephaestion. She is a light, fast, red chestnut.

BOREAS- A gray ex-racehorsee now used as an advance calvary scout horse.

AZURO- The brown heavy calvary mare of General Cleitus.