The Steed Bucephalus

At thirteen, Alexander saw grooms fail to ride a wild horse named Bucephalus ("ox-head" for a white spot). Philip called him useless, but Alexander begged to try. He noticed the horse feared his own shadow. He turned Bucephalus toward the sun, spoke gently, and mounted. The horse ran wild, then calmed under Alexander's patient hands. Philip gave him the horse, which only Alexander could ride. Soon after, Aristotle became his tutor. This philosopher, pupil of Plato, taught Alexander wisdom and judgment. Alexander always loved Aristotle, sending him money and specimens from his travels. But Alexander did not always practice what Aristotle taught.