RvEAlx-1: Prologue: No work of art is possible or can be lasting without sælde (good fortune). God should give the poet sælde to enable him to write about the live and death of one of the most virtuous men.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-57: The story is about Alexander, who is of very high birth and who defeated many countries, as it is known from his teacher, Aristôtiles (Aristotle).

Motif References:

RvEAlx-107: The Egyptian king Nektânabus is a magician and soothsayer; he knows about nigromancy (black magic), astronomy, geometry, and interprets dreams. He always knows the identity of his attackers in advance.

Motif References:

D 1711 Magician
D 1810.0.2 Magic knowledge of magician

RvEAlx-166: Egypt is known as a nation of wise men and astronomers.

Motif References:

J 192.2 Wisdom from Egypt

RvEAlx-181: Nektânabus occupied a piece of land that belonged to Persia, the mightiest country, ruled by the powerful king Artâxerxes (whose other name is Ochus, according to the scholastic historiography). Artâxerxes prepares a military campaign against his opponent. One of Nektânabus’ retainers reports Artâxerxes’ campaign (there are Partî, Medî, warriors from Mesopotamia, Ircanje, Sîria and Caldêa, Arabians, Serîtes, Bos-Porî, Argînî, Agriôpagî, Hastriî in his army), to Nektânabus. The king sends him away, telling him to defend his country as well as he can and also to encourage the other nobles to defend themselves.

Motif References:

P 550.1.2 (Li) Defense of legitimate rights by war
P 550.1.1 (Li) Aggression: rebellion; usurpation; invasion; assault

RvEAlx-279: In those times, everyone believed in the devil: people prayed to the heathen gods, and the devil answered their prayers through the mouths of the idols. The only exception were the Jews, who lived according to the Old Covenant – this was long before the coming of Christ.

Motif References:

V 1.11 Worship of idols

RvEAlx-299: Nektânabus retires to his rooms; he wants to find out about his future: He has a basin full of rainwater brought, then takes a rod made of the incombustible wood Ebênus. He wants his lot to turn, but his magic only shows that it will turn for worse: his enemy will be victorious. Then, he makes little boats of wax as symbols of his own ships and puts them on the water. They drown.

Motif References:

F 812.8 Wood which cannot be consumed by fire
D 1311.19 Divination by water
D 1656 Incombustible objects
D 1810.0.2 Magic knowledge of magician
D 1812.3 Means of learning future

RvEAlx-341: Nektânabus is desperate; he prays to his god and decides to flee. He packs some treasure, puts on white clothes like a soothsayer, and has his hair cut. He goes to Pelûsium as a soothsayer, then to Môre, then to Macedonia.

Motif References:

R 220 Flights
D 1812.0.1.3 (Bm) Magician flees when he foresees his own doom
K 1825.8 Disguise as astrologer [soothsayer]

RvEAlx-389: Nektânabus’ subjects pray to their god to learn about the whereabouts of their king. The god Sêrapîs tells them that they will never see Nektânabus again and that they will be defeated by the Persians. But Nektânabus will have a son who will conquer the Persians in turn. In memory of the event they have a stone erected, en-graved with the events.

Motif References:

A 178 God as prophet
A 182.3 God (angel) speaks to mortal
M 301.16 Gods prophesy both good and evil about hero’s fate
M 311 Prophecy: future greatness of unborn child
M 342 Prophecy of downfall of kingdom

RvEAlx-417: The Persian king has in the meantime occupied Egypt.

Motif References:

P 550.1.1 (Li) Aggression: rebellion; usurpation; invasion; assault

RvEAlx-421: Macedonia, where Nektânabus stays, is ruled by king Philipp, who is married to Olimpias. While he leaves on warfare, Olimpias stays at home. Both Nektânabus and Olimpias are curious to meet each other. One day, when Nektânabus passes by the palace, he greets her and is invited to sit down at her side. He falls in love with her at first sight.

Motif References:

T 15 Love at first sight

RvEAlx-515: She asks him if he is an Egyptian, as those are known to be very wise, and he admits that he is. He says that he is able to interpret dreams, the course of the stars and the flight of birds, he can tell the future of unborn children. While he talks, he watches her closely. She asks him for the reason for this, and he answers that he can do nothing against it because of love.

Motif References:

J 192.2 Wisdom from Egypt
D 1712 Soothsayer (diviner, oracle, etc.)

RvEAlx-574: Then the magician proves his abilities to the queen. He takes out a little ivory slate, decorated with silver and gold. It depicts the course of the stars, the whole sphere in three circles: the first shows 12 signs symbolizing the way of understanding [vernunst], the second the sun and the moon, the third seven signs to learn about people’s fate (birth and death); four jewels show the power of the seven stars. Olimpias asks him for a demonstration of his skills: he will tell her Philipp’s birthday. He instantly fulfills her request. Her second question concerns a rumor that she has heard: Philipp is going to expel her because of her barrenness. Nektânabus says that this is a lie, though it will come true that he will cast her out, but he will return to her a short while later. He announces that soon a god will have intercourse with her: this will prove that she is not barren and save her from her husband’s fury. The god Amôn is of average appearance, with a bull’s horns on his head, and a grey beard. Olimpias should adorn herself by night and await him.

Motif References:

A 123.12 (Bm) God with horns of silver and gold
M 332 (Bm) Prophecy: God will visit mortal
D 1311.6.0.1 Divination by looking upon astrolabe [astrological instrument]
D 1712.0.1 Astrologer-magician
D 1810.0.2 Magic knowledge of magician
D 1812.3 Means of learning future

RvEAlx-721: Olimpias then says that in case Nektânabus’ prophecies become true, she will adore him as a god. So Nektânabus gives her a potion of magic herbs he collected in the desert: those make her dream of making love to the god Amôn. When she wants to tell Nektânabus about her dream, he pretends that he already knows it and tells her that he could show her the god’s real appearance, if she lets him hide in a room during the following night. She again confirms her gratitude towards him. So Nektânabus hides in a chamber and works magic: he appears to her as a dragon the following night. She conceives a child. When he leaves her the following morning, he says that the son she has conceived will protect her and will not be defeated by anyone. He has intercourse with her whenever he likes, making her believe that it is the god who visits her in different appearances; when she finds out about this deceit, she also betrays him in turn. Love must not lie.

Motif References:

D 199.2 Transformation: man to dragon
M 260 Other promises
T 513.1.1 Impregnation by magicians’s power
D 658 Transformation to seduce
D 978 Magic herbs
K 1315.1 Seduction by posing as a god
D 1584.1 Charm induces dream
D 1731.2.3 (Bm) Dream of visit by god
D 2160 (Bm) Dream created by magic

RvEAlx-876: As Olimpias fears that her husband might find out about her pregnancy, Nektânabus assures her that “the god Amôn will help her”. He collects herbs and makes a potion that induces a dream to Philipp, who is on warfare against Pâusânîâ: Olimpias has intercourse with the god Amôn, who tells her that he has come in the appearance of himself, Philipp, and that the child she has conceived will be very powerful. Then the god gives her a ring with a jewel engraved with the sun’s chariot, a sword and the head of a lion that prevents her from having intercourse with anyone but him. Philipp asks his astrologer about this dream, who confirms that the dream is true and that the child the queen carries will be very mighty and strive for honor. The sword and the sun’s chariot symbolize that he will defeat many countries, the lion’s head symbolizes his virtue.

Motif References:

D 978 Magic herbs
D 1584.1 Charm induces dream
D 1731.2.3 (Bm) Dream of visit by god
D 1812.3.3.0.4 (Bm) Interpretation of dream by second party
D 2160 (Bm) Dream created by magic

RvEAlx-995: Meanwhile, the enemy has already struck. When Philipp’s army is about to be defeated, a dragon intervenes and chases away the enemy. Philipp returns home, assuring his wife of his affection. She does not have to fear any harm, as he knows that the child was conceived from a god, as he has seen in his dream.

Motif References:

B 11.6 Deeds of dragons

RvEAlx-1084: Nektânabus appears in the form of a dragon in the Great Hall during a meal. He approaches the queen and lays his head in the queen’s lap. Philipp mentions the dragon’s help during his military campaign.

Motif References:

D 199.2 Transformation: man to dragon

RvEAlx-1117: One day, a little bird flies to Philipp, sits in his lap and lays an egg which he breaks. Out of the crack, a serpent emerges. When it wants to return into the egg, which is impossible as it is broken, the serpent dies. Philipp sends for his wise men to interpret this strange event. They say that he will have a son who will be his heir (signified by the snake), who will rule over the whole world (signified by the egg), and always strive for more. But he will die before being able to return home, after he will have achieved everything he desires. The author interprets this event: The bird symbolizes the magician who imputed his son to the king.

Motif References:

Z 100 Symbolism
B 147.2.1 Bird of good omen
H 614 Explanation of enigmatic phenomenon
B 718 (Bm) Adder creeps out of egg, dies before it can crawl back in
F 989 Extraordinary occurrences concerning animals – miscellaneous
D 1812.5.2.2 Meeting certain person (animal) a good omen

RvEAlx-1205: When Olimpias feels the first birth-pangs, she sends for Nektânabus for help. He tells her to get away from the room she lies in, as the course of the sun has a bad influence on the four elements. She is moved to a better bed, where she gives birth without pains.

Motif References:

T 584.0.1 Childbirth assisted by magic [astrology]
D 1712.0.1 Astrologer-magician

RvEAlx-1237: Earthquake, thunder and lightning, hail, strong winds, rain, mist at the moment of the child’s birth during the night. King Philipp immediately visits his wife and child. He says that the child, whom he at first wanted to have killed, as he feared his power, shall be raised as his own, as he was engendered by his god. The boy shall be named Alexander, like his first son whom he lost.

Motif References:

Z 292 Death of hero [heroine]
F 960.1.1 Extraordinary nature phenomena at birth of royalty
F 960.1.1.1 Thunder report at birth of king
F 962 Extraordinary precipitation (rain, snow, etc.)
F 963 Extraordinary behavior of wind
F 968 Extraordinary thunder and lightning
F 969.4 Extraordinary earthquake

RvEAlx-1282: The ladies at court take care of Alexander and love him very much.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-1303: Alexander’s appearance: he is small, his hair is red and thick like a lion’s mane, his eyes are differently colored: one yellow, the other black. He is remarkably handsome.

Motif References:

F 512 Person unusual as to his eyes
F 541.6 Eyes remarkable as to colour
F 555 Remarkable hair
F 575.3 Remarkably beautiful child

RvEAlx-1345: At the age of seven Alexander is sent to school. Calestenâ and Naximeneâ of Atêne are two of his teachers. Polinîcus teaches him to read, Alzippus music and singing, Menecles geometry, Anaximenes rhetoric, Lêônides is his tutor, Aristôtiles teaches him virtues and conduct of a ruler, as the boy is eager to learn about knightly life and manners: A wise ruler follows the advice of his counselors, who should be chosen because of their wisdom. Double-dealers should be expelled and those who do not deserve to rise should not. Those who are unworthy are not born to rule, as they forget their former friends in case they come to power. Beware of bad counselors! A good ruler should promote those who prove themselves worthy. Virtue is a man’s most important trait of character. A ruler has to be a just and unbribable judge and treat rich and poor equally. In war, he should not be discouraged by an army bigger than his own, but fight ferociously in the first row, and be a good example for his warriors. If his army has to retreat, he should be the last to retreat and strike back the enemy, whose force he has to estimate first. In case he besieges and conquers a town, he should reward his followers from the booty he has made. He should be munificent towards the poor and of constant character, to ensure that he gets help in times of need. He should beware of false women’s love, honor the women of low birth, but not mingle with them. He should beware of the effects of alcohol. He should also be pious and honor his god. It is not good to take revenge in fury, only when fury has passed. Alexander takes these teachings to his heart. Then, Aristôtiles reads to him from the book Ethicâ (which teaches how a fortunate man can live properly). Alexander learns more rapidly than other children. He is also educated in the knightly games (fighting, defending himself with the shield, riding, games, falconry).

Motif References:

J 141 Youth educated by seven [six] sages
J 152 Wisdom (knowledge) from sage (teacher)
J 152.3 Philosopher instructs youth regarding conduct
T 585 Precocious infant
T 615.3 Precocious wisdom [virtue]

RvEAlx-1876: Olimpias overhears Philipp deplore that Alexander does not resemble him in the least. She asks Nektânabus about the meaning of this statement, and the magician calms her: Philipp does not mean to harm her or the child (he has read this in the stars).

Motif References:

RvEAlx-1917: Alexander is curious to learn about the art of astrology. He asks Nektânabus if he is also able to see his own fate in the stars. Nektânabus tells him that he already knows that he will die by the hands of his own child. He invites him to accompany him by night.

Motif References:

M 302.4.2 (Bm) Future read in stars
M 343 Parricide prophecy
D 1311.6.4 Divination by stars
D 1712.0.1 Astrologer-magician
D 1812.0.1.2 Foreknowledge of means of death

RvEAlx-1965: Nektânabus points at the stars to explain them to Alexander: Hercules, Mercurius, Jovis announce bad things to happen. The child believes that he lies, as the magician will die from Alexander’s hand, and pushes him into the moat, reproaching him with not telling the truth. At the moment of his death, Nektânabus reveals that he is in fact Alexander’s father and that he has indeed been brought to death by his own child. Alexander is shocked, returns to his mother and forces her to tell him the truth. He confesses his murder. The magician is buried.

Motif References:

S 139 Miscellaneous cruel murders
N 338.4 (Bm) Son unwittingly slays father M 391 Fulfillment of prophecy

RvEAlx-2097: A noble from Capadôzîâ comes to Macedonia and brings Philipp a horse named Bûzevâl as a gift: Some people say that it was engendered by a griffin and a horse. Its head is the head of an aurochs, with a single horn. It eats humans and is stronger than a lion or elephant. It is bound in iron fetters and has to be kept in a stable reinforced with iron. Those who have forfeited their lives are given to it as punishment.

Motif References:

B 15.1 Animal unusual as to his head
B 16.1.3 Devastating horse
B 16.1.3.2 (Bm) Man-eating horse
Q 415 Punishment: being eaten by animals
B 710 Fanciful origin of animals
F 989.22 Animals eat extraordinary food

RvEAlx-2133: It is prophesied that the one who is able to ride the horse will be Philipp’s successor to the throne. Therefore, the horse is protected even better. One day, when Alexander returns home from school, now 15 years of age and well educated in the seven liberal arts by Aristôtiles, he passes by the stable. Curiously, he puts his hand through the bars, and when the horse approaches submissively, Alexander breaks the cage’s chains and enters. He caresses Bûzevâl, who lies down at his feet. The floor is covered with the limbs of the people whom the horse has devoured. Alexander mounts it and rides out of the stable. Everyone is amazed and praises the awesome hero. When Alexander dismounts from the horse, it stays where he left it and waits for him. It is completely tame and accepts Alexander as its master.

Motif References:

P 11.1 Choice of kings by divine will
B 16.1.3 Devastating horse
H 41.7 Task: to ride horse whereby one becomes king
H 71.10 Marvel as sign of royalty
H 171.3 Horse indicates election of emperor
H 172.1 Horse will permit only certain man to ride him
Z 201.1 (Bm) Hero’s famous horse
M 361 Fated hero
B 771.6 (Bm) Only hero able to tame wild horse

RvEAlx-2241: Philipp is very proud. He says that Alexander will be his successor. Alexander demands to be equipped for war, and Philipp summons all 24-year-old nobles and has them equipped properly. They swear loyalty to Alexander. They leave to conquer foreign countries: they assault king Nikolâus of Aridêâ.

Motif References:

P 17.0.2 Son succeeds father as king
M 150 Other vows and oaths
P 550.1.1 (Li) Aggression: rebellion; usurpation; invasion; assault

RvEAlx-2299: After Philipp’s death, Alexander is crowned king by his lords who swear oaths of allegiance to him. He wants all the nobles – from Mâzedônje, Greece, Trâzîâ, the Tessâliî – to fight against the heathens. An old wise prince advises that only the young should go with him on warfare, as the old ones are too weak from all the battles they had to fight for Philipp; they should care for the country. Alexander agrees, adding that only wise men are able to moderate young men’s impetuous zeal.

Motif References:

P 17.0.2 Son succeeds father as king
M 100.0.1 (Li) Oath of allegiance
P 557.0.1 (Li) Council of war

RvEAlx-2365: A temporary truce is announced until Nikolâus has learned about the reasons of Alexander’s attacks. He addresses the young man provocatively, even spitting into his face. Alexander retorts that pride comes before the fall, and that he will defeat Nikolâus.

Motif References:

P 550 Military affairs

RvEAlx-2477: Battle begins. Alexander fights ferociously on Buzevâl. He kills king Nikolâus, whose army flees.

Motif References:

R 220 Flights
P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]

RvEAlx-2549: Alexander has all the dead buried. Nikolâus’ retainers receive their fiefs from him. Then he returns to Macedonia.

Motif References:

P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]
V 69.1 All dead are buried after battle

RvEAlx-2575: At this time, Alexander’s father repudiates his wife Olimpias for another woman, Kaljôpatrâ. Alexander returns just at the moment when the wedding feast begins, crosses the great hall, hands Philipp king Nikolâus’ crown. He cleverly reproaches his father with repudiating his mother by saying that he enjoys being at Philipp’s wedding, but would not invite him if he found a new husband for his mother. Alexander adds that the person who gave the advice to leave Olimpias has done badly.

Motif References:

T 232 Woman deserts husband for unworthy lover [Husband repudiates wife for another woman]
P 233.9 Son chastizes father for scorning mother

RvEAlx-2611: The giant Lisias provokes Alexander by alluding to his non-resemblance to the king, his father, and to the close resemblance of the son born by Kaljôpatrâ to Philipp. Alexander kills Lisias with a stick.

Motif References:

S 139 Miscellaneous cruel murders
Q 288 Punishment for mockery
F 531 Giant

RvEAlx-2634: Philipp, leaping up from the table in rage, draws his sword with the intention to attack Alexander, but he falls over and stays unconscious. Now, it is Alexander’s turn to mock him. Though Kaljôpatrâ’s son resembles Philipp more than Alexander, Olimpias stays in power.

Motif References:

N 397 Accidental self-injury

RvEAlx-2677: The following morning, Alexander visits Philipp. He succeeds in reuniting him with his mother by clever arguing: Olimpias has always been faithful, a good wife and mother. It serves Lisias right that he was killed, as he doubted the legal way of succession to the throne. He, Alexander is the heir despite what people say. Philipp agrees to reconcile with Olimpias. On Alexander’s advice, Olimpias visits her husband. They reunite.

Motif References:

T 298 Reconciliation [reunion] of (separated) couple

RvEAlx-2752: At this time, Persia is the mightiest country, ruled by the king Darius, to whom 100 countries and 50 kings are tributary. Darius is the successor of Artâxerxes, whom Nektânabus once fled. Also Greece and Mâzedônje are tributary to him. One day, Alexander meets his messengers, who have come to collect tribute from Philipp. Alexander disapproves of his father paying tribute. He sends back the messengers with an allegorical message: as long as Philipp was without a son, Greece resembled a hen that laid golden eggs; now, as he has a son, the hen has become barren.

Motif References:

P 14.15.2 Court messenger
Z 100 Symbolism
P 532 Payment of tax (tribute) [toll]

RvEAlx-2809: Meanwhile, the inhabitants of Armenia are disloyal towards Philipp. Alexander conquers them, burns down the castle and country. The lords surrender.

Motif References:

R 75 Surrendering
P 550.1.2 (Li) Defense of legitimate rights by war
K 2299 Other villains and traitors – miscellaneous

RvEAlx-2856: Meanwhile, Pâusânîâ of Bitînje, taking advantage of the absence of great parts of the Greek army, assails Philipp. During a battle, Pâusânîâ seriously wounds Philipp, and then turns to Jônâ, where he knows that Olimpias is staying. He wants to abduct the queen, but the castle is well defended. Alexander, who has learned about the events during his return from Armenia, hastens home. He kills Pâusânîâ; his warriors are slain as well. Then, he turns to his father’s room. When he tells him that he has already killed his murderer, Philipp dies in his arms. The dead kings are buried and mourned. Pâusânîâ is the son of Zêrastes, son of Oraste.

Motif References:

P 16.0.1 (Bm) Regicide
P 550.1.1 (Li) Aggression: rebellion; usurpation; invasion; assault

RvEAlx-3063: Prologue to the second book: Wise men and masters of verse should judge Rudolf’s work. Nowadays, literature is not as it used to be in former (better) times. Rudolf compares literature to a tree that was grafted with three branches by Hartman von Aue (straight and clear), Wolfram von Eschenbach (curved and wild), Gotfrit von Strasburg (the most perfect). Rudolf also mentions Konrad von Heimesvurt, Wirnt von Grâvenberc, Uolrich von Zazichovn with his poem about Lanzelet, Blickêr von Steinach with his Umbehanc, Heinrich von dem Türlîn with his Krône, Vrîdanc with his moral, Konrad Fleck with his stories of Flôre and Blanscheflûr and of Clîes, Absolôn (Rudolf’s friend), Albrecht von Kemnaten, Heinrich von Lînouwe (with his Wallære), the Stricker, Wetzel – who wrote about the life of St. Margaret, Ulrich von Türheim. Rudolf hopes that the branch he grafted on the tree of poetry will not be cast off and mentions his own previous works: der Guote Gêrhart, Barlâm and Jôsaphât, legend of St. Eustachîus.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-3382: He entrusts his counsellors to Aristôtiles and appoints Antipater as regent during his absence. He entrusts his mother to his nobles and leaves.

Motif References:

P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counselors of court [King’s council]
P 193 (Bm) Guardian [regent]

RvEAlx-3402: In the temple of Apollô on the island of Trâgakantes, Alexander leaves sacrifices. Then, he sends his marshal Eumîliô to Sicily.

Motif References:

V 11.9 Sacrifice to deity

RvEAlx-3417: Then Alexander proceeds to Greece: The town of Thebe is asked to provide him with 400 knights, but they refuse and close their gates. They mock him from the battlements. He accuses them of cowardice, and a battle is arranged. Alexander’s army besieges the town with archers and war-machines (catapults, katzen, igel, pheteraer, manger). Stesichêr, one of Alexander’s nobles, uses Greek fire and destroys a great part of the town, people fall from the battlements. Then the town’s walls are destroyed, Thebes surrenders to Alexander.

Motif References:

R 75 Surrendering
P 550.1.1 (Li) Aggression: rebellion; usurpation; invasion; assault
P 557.0.4 (Li) Siege
F 839 Other extraordinary weapons

RvEAlx-3505: Alexander goes to Korintîn, the burghers of which demand a battle so that their young knights can prove their worth in combat. Alexander agrees. Among the knights of his army Klîtemach (one of those who escaped from Thebes) is of outstanding courage. When Alexander asks him about his bravery, Klîtemach answers that he possesses neither good nor land – Alexander realizes that he is from Thebes and enfeoffs him with the town. Thebes is rebuilt and becomes powerful again.

Motif References:

P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]
H 1561 Tests of valor

RvEAlx-3580: Alexander proceeds to Platêâ, ruled by Strâsagoras, who refuses submission but is chased away by Alexander. Strâsagoras goes to Atêne, where he gets support. Alexander turns against Atêne: he wants to induce the burghers to submit. He writes a letter asking to send him 10 wise men to counsel him. If the Athenians give in to this request, he only asks them to accept him as sovereign, if they refuse, he will assault them. The Athenians retire to deliberate on Alexander’s letter. Dêmostenes, the philosopher, advises to stand up against Alexander. Eskilus points out that Alexander has been victorious since he started his military campaign: he advises against fighting this invincible king, but the other refuses. Alexander is infuriated and menaces Atêne with his army, the Athenians also arm themselves.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-3733: Anaxîmenes, one of Alexander’s teachers, receives his former pupil in front of town. As Alexander feels that he might beg for mercy for Atêne, he says in advance that he will not grant his request. So, Anaxîmenes cleverly asks Alexander to destroy the town and take revenge. Alexander, true to his word, has to do the opposite: Atêne is left in peace, and Alexander appreciates his former teacher’s wisdom.

Motif References:

J 151 Wisdom from old person
J 1289.10 King cannot destroy the city

RvEAlx-3799: Alexander is welcomed in town. He rewards Anaxîmenes richly and listens to the wise men’s philosophic discussions; Anaxîmenes, Dêmostenes, Dêmêtrîus, Eskilus are present. Alexander asks them to give him written instructions on how to live and also forgives Strâsagoras.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-3834: Then Alexander and his followers turn toward Lâzedêmônje. They do not surrender, because they are proud of their warlike past. When Alexander finds the town’s gates closed, he writes a letter to them, asking them about their intentions: if they do not accept him as a sovereign and pay tribute, he will wage war. The Lâzedêmônjes refuse; so Alexander assaults the town with war-machines and attacks their ships on the sea with Greek fire. They finally surrender. Alexander accepts and generously does not destroy the town. He makes a sacrifice to the gods and leaves.

Motif References:

R 75 Surrendering
P 550 Military affairs
F 839 Other extraordinary weapons

RvEAlx-3959: Then Alexander conquers Zîzicus, then Bîzanz (which is also called Constantinople, named so after king Constantin), then Ponte, Kalzedônje, Abdirâ, the islands of Hostîa and Olinte, then Kaldêôpel. He crosses the river Sênis, where he and his army suffer from hunger. Alexander makes sacrifices to their gods, then feeds his men on the food he himself brought with him. The men lament that their horses die, and Alexander says that there is no use wailing over dead horses: he promises them two for each that died. In Lokrus, they are able to fish.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-4034: Eumîliô returns from Italy which he has conquered meanwhile. The Romans have sent 2000 warriors with him as support and 10,000 pounds of gold, as well as a crown. The Romans also swore always to support Alexander.

Motif References:

M 150 Other vows and oaths

RvEAlx-4053: It is a miracle that Alexander had such a great success with such a small army: 5,500 knights, 32,000 foot soldiers, 180 ships.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-4089: Next Alexander and his army head for Africa. After the conquest, Alexander turns toward the island Efranitidâ. There he makes a sacrifice to his god Amôn in order to learn about the future: By night, during his sleep, the god addresses Alexander. He asks him if he is able to move the mountain on the island. As Alexander retorts he does not know how, the god grants that his name and fame are as unchangeable as this mountain. When the Greek king asks him about his death, the god answers that it is not good for man to know about his death. Alexander will have to suffer much in his life. Alexander wakes from this dream and is sad. He tells his army to conquer Skâlon and Lîbîâ, and then makes Itôme tributary.

Motif References:

V 11.9 Sacrifice to deity
A 182.3 God (angel) speaks to mortal
D 1810.0.1 Omniscience of a god

RvEAlx-4149: Meanwhile, the nobles of the countries Alexander has made tributary have fled to Darius. When they describe Alexander’s appearance, Darius wonders how such a small man can have such a courageous heart. To insult his adversary, he sends him a golden ball, a golden rod and a golden board like children have it. In a letter, he addresses Alexander as his subject and a child and advises against attacking him, as his army is enormous. He explains the meaning of these gifts: The rod means that Alexander should be whipped like a child; the ball signifies that he should play like a child; the board means that he should learn how to write like a child lying in his mother’s lap. Alexander had better return home; if he refuses, he will have him and his men captured and treated as a robber.

Motif References:

Z 71.1 Formulistic number: three
Z 174 Message or orders given symbolic action
Z 230 Extraordinary exploits of hero
M 500 (Bm) Threats
H 607 Discussion by symbols

RvEAlx-4259: Alexander reads Darius’ letter in public, so that all his men hear it. He encourages his men, who are afraid of Darius, by comparing Darius to a barking dog that never attacks. Only cowards would praise their own courage. As Darius admitted to have gold, Alexander wants to get it. He gives orders to hang Darius’ messengers who manage to argue him out of doing so: Darius was not aware of Alexander’s greatness, but they will inform him about it. Alexander pardons the messengers.

Motif References:

P 14.15.2 Court messenger
J 1675 Clever arguing with a king

RvEAlx-4333: Alexander refuses to blackmail Darius with prisoners: He wants to defeat him by himself, his own power, not through a deception.

Motif References:

W 212 Eagerness for combat

RvEAlx-4357: Alexander scorns Darius’ haughtiness and reminds him of his mortality in a letter. Therefore he challenges him to fight. If Darius defeats Alexander, he will not gain much glory, as he only defeated a thief. But if he, Alexander, defeated Darius, this would increase his fame. Then Alexander interprets Darius’ presents in another way: The ball means that he should rule over the whole world. The rod is to signify that all the kings in the world will be Alexander’s subject; the board is meant to make notes about the tribute Alexander is entitled to collect from all over the world. Alexander rewards the messengers who return to the Persian king.

Motif References:

Z 71.1 Formulistic number: three
Z 174 Message or orders given symbolic action
H 607 Discussion by symbols
J 1600 Practical retorts – miscellaneous

RvEAlx-4433: Darius is furious when he reads Alexander’s letter. He orders Prîmus and Antiochus, two of his dukes, to capture Alexander and bring him before him in chains. He wants to whip him and send him to his mother.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-4459: The two dukes object in their letters: Darius acts unreasonably if he wants them to capture a man who has already conquered so many of Darius’ countries and killed so many men.

Motif References:

P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]
J 651 Inattention to danger

RvEAlx-4493: Darius receives news that Alexander’s army has come to the river Grânikus which crosses his country. Duke Memnôn defends the country against the invaders: in a furious battle. Many die; even Duke Memnôn loses his life.

Motif References:

P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War
P 550.1.1 (Li) Aggression: rebellion; usurpation; invasion; assault

RvEAlx-4521: Darius has a letter written to Alexander, addressing him again as his tributary, mocking his haughtiness and short-sightedness. He sends him a glove filled with poppy-seeds; those symbolize the countless princes and warriors that are in his service. Alexander has the letter read in public; he takes some of the seeds out of the glove and tastes them. Chewing the soft seeds, he remarks that Darius’ army is not very strong. He has a letter written in reply, sending his opponent a single peppercorn: This signifies the ferocity and bitterness of his army. Alexander rewards the messengers who bring the letter to Darius.

Motif References:

Z 150 Other symbols
Z 174 Message or orders given symbolic action
H 607 Discussion by symbols
J 1625 Armies like seeds and peppercorns

RvEAlx-4649: Alexander turns toward Arâbîa, ruled by the duke Amontâ. He blocks his way in a crevice. The furious battle between the two armies lasts for three days. The sun nearly loses its power as so many men die. The Arabians flee.

Motif References:

R 220 Flights
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]

RvEAlx-4709: Amontâ flees to Darius. At court, the messenger whom Alexander sent arrives. Darius reads the letter and enquires about Alexander’s message. When he learns about Alexander’s contempt, he tastes the peppercorn and becomes fearful, because he now believes that Alexander will be victorious. Amontâ gives an account of the battle. He also praises Alexander’s high-mindedness towards his followers: he had all the dead buried after battle and shared the booty with them.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-4775: Alexander travels through Minor Asia, defeats Frîgîa, besieges and conquers Sardis, a town that has the courage to stand up against the mighty conqueror. Alexander praises his gods and brings them sacrifices.

Motif References:

V 11.9 Sacrifice to deity

RvEAlx-4811: During the ceremony, one of Alexander’s pages is entrusted with the thurible (a censer). A piece of coal falls on his arm and burns him seriously, but he does not dare move and moan from fear and self-control. Alexander notices this and even prolongs the service to test if the child is able to control himself. This is the way Alexander teaches his followers.

Motif References:

W 26 Patience
H 1500 Tests of endurance

RvEAlx-4855: Alexander crosses the river Samandrô and defeats troops from Troy. One of the Trojans, the wise Klîtomedus, says that Ômerus’ praise of the Trojans is surpassed by Alexander’s glory. Klîtomedus has since then written about Alexander’s deeds. Alexander and his army return to Europe, to the Ellespontum, submitting all the countries he crosses.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-4885: When Darius learns about this, he sends for his nobles, also for his brother Oxîatres, and has a council of war. Oxîatres praises Alexander’s wisdom and one of the nobles admits that the Greek king is wiser than Darius himself. He knows this from a short stay at Alexander’s court, where he was sent to collect tribute. He points out that Darius still rules many countries that will provide him with warriors. He should summon his army and fight Alexander.

Motif References:

P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counselors of court [King’s council]
P 557.0.1 (Li) Council of war

RvEAlx-5015: At this time, Alexander sends one of his nobles, Klêander, to Lîzîâ for a levy. He is told to bring men from Pêloponense and Pamfîlje. They come to the town Zelênas – crossed by the river Ilîkus – and conquer it after 60 days, then Gordîum (at the river Sangârîus): this is the narrowest place in Asia: the two seas (Ponte and Zilîziâ) meet here. There, Alexander makes a sacrifice to the god Jupiter.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-5063: To protect the countries he has already conquered, Alexander sends Amfotêr, Hegelôch and Lespus to Ellespontum as governors. They get 500 pounds of gold as payment. Antipater in Greece gets 600,000 pounds of silver and gold as payment. Alexander wins Anzîre, where he makes large booty, then Paflagonî, where the Venetî live (this people is the one who gave the name to Venediære, as the source says), who also surrender and give hostages. Kâlas is left there as governor. They finally come to Kapadôzje.

Motif References:

P 193 (Bm) Guardian [regent]

RvEAlx-5115: When Darius learns that Memnôn has been killed, he summons his army to Babylon: 10,000 men from Babylon, 100,000 warriors from Persia (30,000 on horseback, 70,000 on foot), 10,000 knights and 50,000 foot soldiers from Mêdîâ, from Barkân 2000 knights who fight only with shields and arrows and 10,000 foot soldiers; 7000 warriors on horseback and 40,000 on foot from Armênje, 6000 on horseback and 40,000 on foot are from Irkânje (they have strange weapons: wood hardened by fire sharp as steel), 400 on horseback, 8000 on foot from Kaspîâ, 30,000 Greeks who have been expelled by Alexander. Other parts of Darius’ army fail to come, because they did not receive the message of Alexander’s arrival: Baktrîân and Sogdîân, armies from India and islands situated in the Red Lebermer.

Motif References:

P 551 Army
P 557.0.3 (Li) Military aid (alliance)
F 839 Other extraordinary weapons
F 873.2 Enormous army (camp)

RvEAlx-5207: Saridên, a Greek who has been expelled by Alexander, has become one of Darius’ confidants. Darius points out the force and size of his army; Alexander’s intention to fight him is very careless. Saridên mentions Alexander’s luck and wisdom, his virtues and power. He doubts that Darius will defeat him. Darius becomes furious; he believes that Saridên is still faithful to Alexander. He has his head cut off. Darius acted short-sighted, as Saridên only told him the truth.

Motif References:

P 12.13 King quick to anger
S 133 Murder by beheading
Q 421 Punishment: beheading

RvEAlx-5305: Darius entrusts the troops of prince Farnâbâzus to the young Tîmodes. He also receives the lands that formerly belonged to Memnôn.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-5319: By night, Darius has a prophetic dream: He sees the dwellings of the Macedonians afire; the blaze can be seen from far away. Alexander rides into Babylon, then disappears suddenly. The following morning, Darius sends for his soothsayers to interpret the dream. They all interpret it wrongly: Alexander will be brought to him in fetters, and Darius will rule all over the world.

Motif References:

Z 100 Symbolism
M 302.7 Prophecy through dreams
V 515.2 Allegorical visions – political
D 1812.3.3.5 Prophetic dream allegorical
D 1812.3.3.0.3 Dream interpreter corrects dream

RvEAlx-5352: Description of Darius’ richness on warfare: His tent is round like a peg top, with a gleaming crystal button on top. The tent is made of different fabrics, multicolored; little golden bells jingle.

Motif References:

P 13 Customs connected with kings
F 775 Extraordinary tent

RvEAlx-5374: Darius also has his chapel brought to the battlefield; it is as precious as the tent, a silver altar is inside. His soothsayers carry it before him on the battlefield.

Motif References:

V 112 Temples
F 773 Remarkable church (chapel, temple)

RvEAlx-5385: Army review: 365 pages follow the chapel (one page for each day of the year). A wagon drawn by white Castilian horses and transporting their standard follows them. The men leading the horses are dressed in white and each has a golden whip in his hands. 10 sleighs on rolls decorated with gold carry the banner of each troop. 12 armies follow them: a troop of 10,000 warriors who cannot be killed, as they are too strong to be defeated and know how to defend themselves; 15,000 heroes called Doriforê (they are related to the king and are dressed identically).

Motif References:

P 551 Army
F 610 Remarkably strong man
F 873 Extraordinary army

RvEAlx-5441: The king follows. He sits on silk cushions in a chariot with a silver frame. Two golden idols decorated with jewels sit by his sides; they gleam and give the impression to be alive. Above, two eagles of gold hover to give the king shadow. Darius himself is dressed in precious garments: his cloak is embroidered with golden birds; the clasps of his surcoat are made of small jewels. His belt is embroidered with pearls and gold, his hat/crown is a jewel, held by a blue selvage with jewels. His crown, brooch, and rings gleam. He is guarded by 10,000 warriors with sharp, silver-mounted lances. 400 horses and the kingly tabard follow. 30,000 pages take care of the whole train. It is the king’s custom that the queen follows him on warfare; she is accompanied by her ladies. This is presumably done in order to prove one’s valor in the presence of the ladies, but also because the emperor is absent for very long periods when he leaves on warfare – and therefore lives also in luxury when abroad. The Spadûne have the position of the chamberlains. The ladies – who are well cared for and never hurried along – are followed by the king’s treasure, transported by 600 mules and 300 camels. Archers watch over them.

Motif References:

P 29 Queens – miscellaneous
F 821 Extraordinary dress (clothes, robe, etc.)
F 828 Extraordinary crown
F 829.3 Extraordinary belt
F 855 Extraordinary image
F 855.3.1 Peacocks [eagles] of gold
F 861.1 Golden wagon (chariot)
D 1626 Image flies through air

RvEAlx-5596: Alexander leaves Istâmenes behind in Kapadôzje and moves to Zilîzje, conquering Castrâ Zîrî (built by Zîrus after he defeated Krêsus in Lydia) on the way. Zilîzje is surrounded by very high mountains. The path leading through the crevice is named Pîle. When Arsâmes, ruler of Zilîzje, learns that Alexander approaches, he mans his stronghold with the best warriors. Then he destroys every habitation in the countryside to deprive the enemy of the possibility to settle down and gather provisions. The impregnable country is crossed by the rivers Pîramus and Zidnus, the mountains are called Taurimunt.

Motif References:

P 550 Military affairs

RvEAlx-5673: Alexander is glad that the country is impregnable: he says that after they will have taken it, they will have a good position for further expeditions. He and his army move further and pitch their camp. (They have traveled 43 miles, but one mile is more than four times longer than a German mile).

Motif References:

RvEAlx-5699: The following day they start the assault. The town Tarsus surrenders to Alexander, the army pitches their camp on the banks of the river Zidnus, which is said to be extraordinarily cold. Alexander, suffering from the heat, jumps into the icy water and becomes ill. His warriors fear that they will never come home again, if Darius gets knowledge of Alexander’s sickness. Alexander summons his physician Philippe. But the Armenian prince Parmênîus is jealous of Philippe, as he is Alexander’s confidant. He writes a slanderous letter to Alexander in which he warns him of Philippe’s deadly medicine: The physician has been promised Darius’ sister as a wife if he kills Alexander. Alexander drinks his friend’s potion and afterwards gives Philippe the letter to read it. The physician says that it was in fact Parmênîus, who asked him to poison Alexander. When Alexander has recovered, he orders to behead Parmênîus.

Motif References:

Q 211.8 Punishment for desire to murder
P 317.1 Refusal to believe that friend will harm one
N 380 Other unlucky accidents
Q 421 Punishment: beheading
P 424 Physician
K 2129 Slanders – miscellaneous
K 2247 Treacherous lord [vassal]

RvEAlx-5839: Meanwhile, the Persian army stays in Mesopotamia. They need five days to traverse the river Euphrates, rising in paradise. When Darius has learned that Alexander has conquered Zilîzje, he wants to win it back. Alexander resides in Sôlôs and has a feast.

Motif References:

F 162.2.1 The four rivers of paradise
F 715 Extraordinary river

RvEAlx-5871: The Persian Alikarnasus surrenders to Alexander, as well as Kaunî and Mindî. Pîramus defeated Kastabalô and Mallôn, Permênîôn the town Issôn. Wherever Alexander’s army goes, they are always victorious. Alexander releases and generously rewards all captives who are brought before him.

Motif References:

W 11.5 Generosity toward enemy
P 12 Character of kings

RvEAlx-5913: The prince Nostâdî sends a message to Darius, informing him about the great losses caused by Alexander: two of his mightiest princes were killed, he himself, as well as Koxarî, is seriously wounded, Alexander has conquered all the countries. The town Mitridât and the temple are burned; the lands are ravaged and destroyed. Darius orders Nostâdî to summon his army and guarantees military aid.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-5959: One of Darius’ lords offers Alexander to betray his king, who underpaid his services. Alexander turns down this offer and blames the man for his disloyalty. He tells him to go back and defend his master.

Motif References:

P 50.0.2 (Bm) Knight who acknowledges no overlord [Allegiance: loyalty and disloyalty of vassals]
K 2247 Treacherous lord [vassal]

RvEAlx-6003: When Spichêr and Saptesî come to Darius, deploring their lot (they have been chased away by Alexander, who has also conquered their lands), Darius has letters written to Alexander. He says that east will be west and the winds change their directions before Alexander will defeat him. He will not pay Alexander any gratitude for his generosity towards his, Darius’, subjects and messengers. Alexander reads the letter and replies, announcing the end of their correspondence, as he will assault him personally. He does not expect any thanks, as it is his custom to give something to anyone who asks him; therefore he rewards every messenger richly. He also rewards the messengers who brought Darius’ recent letter and dismisses them.

Motif References:

W 11.2 Munificent monarch
P 13 Customs connected with kings

RvEAlx-6135: Alexander does not know whom to send as messenger to Darius to tell him either to submit or to fight. He wants to be his own messenger. He leaves his counselors and retires to his rooms.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-6168: By night, Alexander dreams of his god Amôn. The god tells him that he should indeed go as his own messenger to Darius, dressed the way he, Amôn, is. The following morning, Alexander tells his princes about the dream and they advise him to follow the counsel of the god.

Motif References:

D 1814.2 Advice from dream
D 1814.3 Advice from God (or the gods)

RvEAlx-6201: Alexander gets dressed the way the god told him and leaves together with his marshal Eumîlîô. They arrive at the river Strangâ. This river flows by day and freezes by night and during winter – this makes it easy to cross. Alexander leaves Eumîlîô behind and continues his journey alone. He finally comes to Onchâ, where Darius and his army are situated. Alexander passes himself off as Alexander’s chamberlain and is received by Darius.

Motif References:

F 715 Extraordinary river
F 932.6.3 In dead of night waters of stream cease flowing [freeze] and stand perfectly still
K 1812.15 King disguised as own messenger

RvEAlx-6334: He delivers “Alexander’s” message: Darius should submit to Alexander or fight.

Motif References:

P 556 Challenge to battle

RvEAlx-6362: Though Darîus is furious, he accommodates the messenger as a guest, as this is the same way Alexander treats messengers.

Motif References:

P 320 Hospitality

RvEAlx-6370: People believe Alexander to be their god Apollô, as he is so handsome and gleaming.

Motif References:

F 575.2 Handsome man

RvEAlx-6396: Darius takes Alexander by the hand and leads him to the table. Alexander thinks by himself that he will conquer the Persian empire, as Darius gave him the left hand first.

Motif References:

D 1812.5.2 Favorable omens

RvEAlx-6421: To demonstrate his richness, Darius has Alexander served from gold dishes: the drinking-cups are gold and jeweled. Alexander thinks to himself that all this will be his one day. The courtiers talk to him, and he answers so wisely that they wonder how such a small body can hold so much wisdom and knowledge. Alexander, thinking that they only treat him so generously to impress him, wants to bring their haughtiness low: he collects all the golden cups he has been drinking from in his cloak. When Darius asks him about this, he retorts that it is a custom at Alexander’s court that a guest may take anything that pleases him. He willingly returns the cups, as it is not a custom here. He wants to return to his master, who is more generous. So, Darius’ courtiers get jealous and deplore that their own master is not as generous.

Motif References:

L 419 Proud ruler (deity) humbled – miscellaneous
J 1560 Practical retorts: hosts and guests

RvEAlx-6541: Anêpolis, one of Darius’ princes, recognizes Alexander. He is one of the messengers who came to Alexander’s court to collect tribute and were sent back with the story of the barren hen. He informs his king of his observation.

Motif References:

H 79 Recognition by physical attributes – miscellaneous

RvEAlx-6561: Alexander, realizing the men’s whispering, hurries out of the hall. He takes a burning torch from a Persian and knocks him unconscious. He crosses the river Strangâ that is still frozen – his horse dies from exhaustion -, meets with his marshal and takes his second horse. They return to their army. Darius’ men who pursued him return. Darius is worried.

Motif References:

R 220 Flights

RvEAlx-6635: In Darius’ great hall, the golden sow that has been made on king Xerses’ order to commemorate his deeds, breaks. Darius laments this and takes it as a bad sign.

Motif References:

F 855.3 Gold (silver) statue of animal
D 1812.5.1 Bad omens

RvEAlx-6651: Alexander summons his army and mounts a hill to speak to his warriors. He says that Darius’ army is bigger than his, but the warriors are not as courageous. He encourages his warriors to fight. They promise to do anything he requires from them.

Motif References:

M 150 Other vows and oaths
P 550 Military affairs

RvEAlx-6755: Timôdes, Darius’ leader of army, advises his king to retreat to Mesopotamia and to expect the enemy there. That way only a part of the army would be lost. Darius objects: He believes that his army is too large to be defeated by Alexander; in addition the enemy could interpret this as an cowardly act. Timôdes points out that the cold up there in the mountains will soon be unbearable for the army. The woods and rocks do not provide any nourishment for as many men. Darius follows this advice. He sends his treasure to Dâmas and travels – together with his wife and her ladies – to Zilîzje. They arrive at Amanîcas Pîlas, the borderline between Zilîzje and Sûrîe.

Motif References:

J 610 Forethought in conflict with others – general

RvEAlx-6829: Alexander sends spies and scouts to make enquiries about the enemy’s army. Darius’ army is enormous, covering hills and plains. Alexander is worried about his army force that is inferior to Darius’. Every courageous man worries how to preserve his honor and his property, only cowards do not. Alexander gives orders to prepare for fighting and prays to his god for help. Pages arm their masters (bind their helmets and put crests on them, help them put on their gorgets and trousers).

Motif References:

P 557.0.2 (Li) Spy. Messenger
F 873.2 Enormous army (camp)

RvEAlx-6911: Battle formation of Darius’ army: To his left, Nâbarzânes leads 20,000 archers with their bows and crossbows. They are followed by 30,000 Greeks under Timôdes (supported by the troop of warriors who cannot be killed). To Darius’ left, Aristômêdes (who was chased away by Alexander) fights with 20,000 knights and foot soldiers. Among them, Darius himself rides, protected by 3,000 warriors. 40,000 foot soldiers and the troops from Mêdîâ and Irkânje follow, led by Darius’ brother, Oxîatres. Darius then directs the armies towards the mountains, the sea, the countryside, the port. 20,000 warriors are sent to block the roads.

Motif References:

P 552 Battle formations

RvEAlx-6968: Alexander fortifies the castle and moves from the mountains to the plain. He has a hamper erected: behind it, troops that have fought might recover, while others can emerge to fight the enemy. Battle formation: First, the Phalangen, the archers, fight. To Alexander’s left, Nîkanor, Parmêniôn’s son, rides, followed by Zênôs and Perdikkas, Meljâger, Amintas and Ptolômêus. Parmêniôn and Krâterus fight as well. There are troops from Tessâlje, Pêloponense (led by Klêander), from Trâziâ, Krêtâ, Agrîân.

Motif References:

P 552 Battle formations

RvEAlx-7025: Both armies meet on the plain; there is a fracas from singing, of war-cries, clinging of weapons – it is multiplied by the echo from the mountains. Alexander speaks to his warriors, announcing that flight will be punished with death, but support will be rewarded: the foot soldiers will get the booty, the knights will get the captives. The warriors should keep their ladies in mind – this will encourage them. They swear to support him.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-7111: Alexander is protected by fortune and wisdom, while Darius’ army relies on its size. Alexander is a wise ruler who always seeks his counselors’ advice. Alexander fortifies the hamper. The following morning, the warriors eat and get armed.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-7197: Battle begins with Nîkanor leading the first troop. Trombones, tambourines, bells and strings make noise, archers fight. Many dead on both sides – even those warriors of the Persian army who cannot be killed are slain. Blood reddens the dust. One troop fights after the other.

Motif References:

P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War
F 1084.1 Deep streams of blood flow during battle
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]

RvEAlx-7379: Alexander charges into battle on Bûzevâl. He leads one of the troops that stayed in the hamper and are rested. He wants to attack the enemy from behind to confuse the Persians about the actual size of his army. Alexander himself fights ferociously and kills many Persians (they prefer being killed to surrendering, as this is more honorable). The Persian foot soldiers flee.

Motif References:

F 628.2 Strong man kills men
K 2369 Military strategy – miscellaneous

RvEAlx-7438: One of Darius’ men takes a Greek banner and Greek weapons. He attacks Alexander and wounds him through the helmet. When Alexander turns against him, he grants surety and is taken captive and sent to prison. Alexander continues fighting.

Motif References:

K 2357.7.1 (Bm) Disguise as enemy to approach (and slay) enemy king

RvEAlx-7513: Darius is seriously wounded. Realizing this, his army flees. Alexander and his army pursue them and slay them or take them captive. They make booty.

Motif References:

R 5 Capture on field of battle
R 220 Flights
R 260 Pursuits
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
P 555.0.1 (Si) Booty. The spoils of war.

RvEAlx-7547: The Greek warriors then turn to the Persian camp, where the ladies fearfully wait for their knights’ return. The Greeks take them captive, but do not harm them, they calm them instead. The ladies fear that Darius – who would certainly free them – might be dead. The ladies are Sisigambis, Darius’ mother, her two daughters, then Darius’ wife and her daughter, Rôsâne, who is the most beautiful woman. Then, three queens, daughters of Artâxerxes; Darius’ sister-in-law and her daughter, and Ilîôn, a young hero (son of Artâbâzus), the wife and son of Pharnâbâzus and the three daughters of Memnôn are captured as well. Among the prisoners are also three Greek nobles and some princes from Babylon and Lazedêmônje.

Motif References:

R 5 Capture on field of battle
P 60 Noble (gentle) ladies
F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman

RvEAlx-7646: Alexander sends a noble, Mitrênes, who knows the Persian language, to the ladies to inform them about Darius’ fate and about the Persians who died. As he fears that Mitrênes might worry the ladies, he sends Lêônâte after him. As Lêônâte arrives still in his armor, the ladies fall at his feet, as they fear he might kill them. They implore him to let them live until they have buried Darius. Lêônâte asks Mitrênes for translation, and then tells the women that Darius is still alive and assures them of Alexander’s good will: he will grant anything they ask for.

Motif References:

P 429 Miscellaneous learned professions

RvEAlx-7719: The following day, Alexander visits them. The ladies instantly like him. Alexander falls in love at first sight with the beautiful maiden [Rôsâne]. This is the first time he does not strive for worldly goods. The old queen welcomes him as her master, as he defeated the one who was thought to be invincible. She asks him for mercy. Alexander promises that he will treat them as guests and grants them anything they ask for. He places the queen’s son, a boy of six years, on his knees and says under his breath to his companion Ephestiône that he is sure that Darius will redeem this precious pledge. Then they transfer all the captives (60,000 men; 10,000 knights and 100,000 foot soldiers have died) to a castle. They are treated well.

Motif References:

T 15 Love at first sight
R 50 Conditions of captivity

RvEAlx-7855: Then Alexander sends for the Persian who disguised himself as a Greek in order to kill him and asks him for his reasons. The man answers that Darius promised to give him his beautiful daughter as a wife if he killed Alexander. Alexander releases the man; he tells him to return to Darius and to ask him for another reward, as he, Alexander, has everyone Darius loves (his mother, wife, daughter and other relatives) in his power; he gives him riches.

Motif References:

W 11.5.2 Ruler pardons emissary [attacker] who has come to murder him
T 68 Princess offered as prize
H 335.4.1 Suitor task: to bring enemy’s head

RvEAlx-7893: Alexander has the dead of his army counted: only 150 knights and about twice as many of the foot soldiers have died! He has the dead buried and the injuries of the wounded treated. Then he arranges a feast for his gods and makes sacrifices to them. He sends Parmênîôn to Dâmas, as Darius’ treasure is kept there. When Parmênîôn learns that his army might not be sufficient, he sends for reinforcement, but then he intercepts a messenger of the burgrave (count) of Dâmas; Parmênîôn reads the letter he carries: The burgrave asks Alexander for reinforcement troops in exchange for Darius’ treasure. So, Parmênîôn approaches the town and takes the treasure the moment when the king’s chamberlains attempt to secure it. The chamberlains flee. Dâmas surrenders to Parmênîôn. Alexander is very proud of him and entrusts the town and country to him. He should be munificent.

Motif References:

V 11.9 Sacrifice to deity
V 69.1 All dead are buried after battle

RvEAlx-8003: This is the end of Alexander’s first battle and the end of the second book.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-8013: Prologue to the third book: Brevity is the quality of wisdom! The one who is able to cut a long story short is to be praised. In Rudolf’s case, this is not possible, as the story of Alexander has too many different sources to find the “true” story easily. So, the one who wants to write the story of Alexander has to fulfill his task in such a way that those who know the Latin source may not criticize him. He, Rudolf, wants to complete his goal, if God grants him to live that long.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-8087: Darius has retreated to Onchâ. There his wounds are treated. Then he crosses the river Euphrates and laments his defeat. Luck is capricious, anything that seemed to be of durability is vain now. As he is so unhappy, he asks Pôrus for help. Pôrus is king of the three Indias and rules over many kings. Pôrus says that he will help him when he has recovered from his illness. Darius is encouraged.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-8188: On his counselors’ advice Darius asks Alexander to release the captives (his wife and family) in exchange for a treasure kept in Baktrâ and for the rule of Sûsîs and Terrâ Mâdîân. Alexander receives the message in Mâratôn. His counselors advise him to accept Darius’ offer, but he retorts that he has already won all of Darius property. If the Persian king wants anything back, he will have to fight. Despite the objections of his counselors, he has letters written to his opponent, telling him that he wants to be addressed as a king. If he wants his family back, he should submit and accept Alexander as a sovereign. In this case he would treat him well. It was not a courteous way to promise his daughter as a reward and have him attacked! Alexander rewards the messengers richly. Darius’ counselors advise him to submit to Alexander and to receive his lands as a fief from him. Darius objects: he would rather lose his family and his life.

Motif References:

P 559 (Li) Peace: making and conditions of peace (ransom, reparations, submission)

RvEAlx-8343: Alexander travels to Sîdônje. Tersippe defeats the Biblô. When the people of Sîdônje ask Alexander to replace their king Strâtô, Alexander states that he plans to invest Ephestîôn or anyone his confidants recommend. Ephestîôn asks his friends, but they cannot agree. They are all equal in rank and power, but as each of them says that he is too weak he thus also lowers the others. Ephestîôn gets impatient, and so they tell him to choose the only one who is of royal blood: Abdalôminus, who is impoverished and lives on his little garden. When they tell him to hurry up and wash and dress, he thinks at first that they make fun of him. Then he realizes that they are serious. He washes, dresses in the kingly robes; the crown is put on his head.

Motif References:

P 11 Choice of kings
P 33 (Bm) Impecunious prince [king]
J 620 Forethought in prevention of others’s plans

RvEAlx-8445: People disapprove of this choice out of envy. Alexander gives Abdalôminus instructions about kingly behavior: to be moderate and steady, mild, but still warlike, humble and loyal towards those who showed loyalty to him. He wonders how Abdalôminus was able to endure his poverty and praises the worth of virtue above the worth of wealth. Abdalôminus thanks him and answers that he did not feel poor with what he owned. He thinks he could rule his kingdom with the same grace and honor with which he endured his poverty. Everyone appreciates this wise answer. Alexander enfeoffs him with the land and the city.

Motif References:

W 47 (Hi) Humility and modesty
P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]
J 191 Wise men

RvEAlx-8533: The noble Amintas conquers Trippel, then Kipper. In Egypt, he announces that Alexander defeated Darius, that Satâzes, who should have been king was killed, and that the only solution would be to submit to him. The Egyptians follow this advice. Amintas leaves and turns toward Pelûsium. He kills the ruler, Mâzâzes. To avenge this, Darius’ warriors attempt to reconquer Lîdiâ, but they are all defeated by Antigonus. The Persian Aristômenes leads a fleet to Ellespont, ruled by Amphotêr, to win it back, but on the sea, they come across a fleet sent as support by Antipater to Alexander. The Persians are defeated. Farnâbâzus is sent out with a fleet by Darius to win back the lost countries, Kîun, Siphne and Andre; he succeeds. Hâgis, a king formerly expelled by Alexander from Lâzedêmônje, invades Mâzedônje, but is defeated by Antipater.

Motif References:

P 550.1.1 (Li) Aggression: rebellion; usurpation; invasion; assault

RvEAlx-8677: All Sûrîe is now tributary to Alexander, except for Tîre which offers resistance. The inhabitants send a golden crown to Alexander as a gift, not as a tribute, out of friendship, not of fear. Alexander answers that he wants to come into town to make a sacrifice to his gods; the inhabitants of Tîre retort that they will not let him enter the town, as there is a temple outside the town’s walls. This infuriates Alexander. The messengers from Tîre say that the town would rather endure hardship than submit. They return; Tîre reinforces its fortifications.

Motif References:

P 550 Military affairs

RvEAlx-8739: Troops from Carthage (where in former times Dîdô ruled) arrive. This town was founded by Tîre, its law is executed there and it is obliged to give military aid. Every year, the Carthagians come to Tîre to arrange a feast for their gods. These troops beat off Alexander’s attack.

Motif References:

P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]

RvEAlx-8773: Darius sends for his tribute and troops to Jerusalem, as the Jews are also tributaries to the Persian king. When Alexander demands tribute, the High Priest Jaddus (from the same family Jûdas, Dâvît and Marîâ come) refuses: as long as Darius is king, they will be subjected to him, as they have sworn by their God. This oath cannot be broken – they would rather die. Alexander should not demand anything from them that could make them neglect their duties towards God. Alexander gets even more furious: he will not leave before he has broken Tîre.

Motif References:

M 119 Taking of vows and oaths – miscellaneous
M 150 Other vows and oaths
P 426.2 Hermit
P 715.1 Jews

RvEAlx-8865: Alexander goes to bed. He dreams that he holds a grape in his hands, throws it away and presses wine out of it with his feet. The following morning, he asks Ariolus for an interpretation. Ariolus says that the squashed grapes symbolize the town of Tîre, the wine signifies the blood that will be shed in battle.

Motif References:

Z 100 Symbolism
M 302.7 Prophecy through dreams
V 515.2 Allegorical visions – political
D 1712.3 Interpreter of dreams
D 1812.3.3.5 Prophetic dream allegorical
D 1812.3.3.0.4 (Bm) Interpretation of dream by second party

RvEAlx-8893: Alexander thinks about a way to assault and besiege Tîre, as it is so well fortified (from the landside and from the seaside). He has war-machines made from the woods of the mountain Libanus (antwerc and ebenhoehe) and catapults “Greek fire” into the town, then builds siege towers and positions archers on them.

Motif References:

P 552.4 War-machines
P 557.0.4 (Li) Siege
F 839 Other extraordinary weapons
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]

RvEAlx-8951: Inside Tîre, bad omens occur: while making his arrows, a blacksmith sees a blood-stream rise from his forge and stream out of it; when a knight cuts a piece of bread, blood emerges from it. Alexander has his soothsayer, Aristander, interpret these events: if the blood had been on the outer side, it would have meant the defeat of the Greeks; as it is on the inner side, it means that those who are inside (the town) will die.

Motif References:

D 474 Transformation: object becomes bloody
H 614 Explanation of enigmatic phenomenon
D 1712 Soothsayer (diviner, oracle, etc.)
D 1812.5.1.1.4 Wave of blood as sign of death

RvEAlx-8989: Alexander has a floating bridge built across the harbor basin: he fills it with trunks, then piles up stones and wood as foundations to fasten the bridge. War-machines are placed on this bridge.

Motif References:

P 550 Military affairs

RvEAlx-9019: As Alexander feels ashamed that his power is endangered by only one town, he decides to go to Arâbje to prevent the spreading of the rumor. He entrusts the siege of Tîre to Perdikkas and Crâterôn. During his absence, Tîre starts an assault against Alexander’s army. They invent a ruse to destroy the bridge: they load one of their old ships with sand and stones, wood, sulfur and pitch and put it to sea. When the wind is right, they take little boats, set the ship afire and return into town. The burning ship is driven by the wind against the war-machines on the bridge. The buildings and many men burn. Alexander instantly returns when hearing of this and has new war-machines built. Divers from Tîre loosen the strips that hold together the trunks of the bridge so that they cannot withstand the strong winds in this area. They secure their own ships with anchors. When the wind rises, they manage to tear apart the bridge. So, Alexander’s con-struction sinks, and many of his warriors die.

Motif References:

K 2369 Military strategy – miscellaneous

RvEAlx-9133: Alexander is very sad and thinks about giving up. Then, the duke Clêander, whom he recently sent to Lîzîâ, returns with 190 ships. Alexander rewards him richly. They split the fleet and attack the town from two sides (to the left: Pnîtagoras, king of Kipper and Crâterôn, to the right: Alexander and Clêander). They sink the ships of Tîre. They bind ships together by fours and have them connected by bridges. They are surrounded by palisades that are meant to hold archers and war-machines. Catapults throw fire into the town. On the sea, Alexander’s men erect another machine which they call “the ram” (widder) They have trees sharpened and fastened to the ships, then reinforce them with iron and steel. This is used to break walls. The inhabitants of Tîre still defend themselves and rebuild anything destroyed.

Motif References:

P 550 Military affairs
P 552.4 War-machines

RvEAlx-9229: The Carthaginian army learns that their hometown is besieged by those from Sîracûsâ who have also ravaged parts of Africa. They ask Alexander to give them leave to return to Carthage and for an escort. They leave behind many men, but also wives and children, as they originally have come for the feast of their gods, as was told before. But the inhabitants of Tîre are not yet ready to surrender; even though the enemy has reached the walls, they defend themselves by throwing down heated sand, stones, loam or boiling water.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-9311: One day, an enormous sea-monster shakes the sea and frightens both armies: it makes much noise, is of extraordinary size and is even seen walking on the water. Further information on its appearance cannot be given, as the men were not able to see all of it, but they have never seen anything similar. They have to let it pass into the harbor. Both sides take it as an omen: The Greeks believe they will be victorious, the Persians think that their god Neptune has sent them support.

Motif References:

G 308 Sea-monster
B 877.1 Giant sea-monster

RvEAlx-9355: On the third day, Alexander finally succeeds in breaking Tîre’s walls. He gives orders to have the town burned down. Many inhabitants have retreated into their temple for protection. Alexander grants them peace. The Greeks take 15,000 men from Sîdônje captive who have come to help Tîre (as both towns have been founded by Agenor). 2000 men are hanged. Alexander does not harm the Carthagians who have returned to their home country. No one else survives except for those from Sîdônje who are secretly cared for by Alexander’s warriors. Then Tîre is devastated. The captives are scattered all over the country. The siege has taken half a year and four weeks. Many other islands surrender when they learn of the conquest of this mighty town.

Motif References:

R 325 Church (altar) [temple] as refuge
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]

RvEAlx-9446: The Latin source states that Tîre was founded by Agenor. Carthage in Africa and Thebes in Bêôtîâ were founded by Tîre. The second name of Tîre is Sûr.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-9465: Rôde surrenders to Alexander, Zilîzje and the other islands are given to Socrates as a governor, Philôtas conquers and governs the countries belonging to Tîre, Ephestiôn is dismissed with a fleet. The armies that have come with Clêander and Pnîtagoras are sent to different countries. King Calas in Paphlagônje also conquered many lands, the prince Antigonus has to take care of Lîcaônje and the countries surrounding it. Duke Balacrus defeats Milêt and expels Hidarnes, Darius’ governor.

Motif References:

P 193 (Bm) Guardian [regent]

RvEAlx-9499: Hegelôch and Amphotêr conquer the lands between Asia and Achâja with their fleet. Darius’ governor in Kîun, Farnâbâzus, does his best to defend the countries; he captures and mistreats Alexander’s men who come to collect the tribute. When he invades Alexander’s kingdom, Hegelôch and Amphotêr besiege Kîun. Many warriors die on both sides, but the outcome of the fight is determined when the Persians inside the town start fighting each other. When realizing this, the Macedonians manage to break open the gates without being noticed and defeat the Persian army. They kill or capture many Persians, among them the three nobles. Then, they grapple 12 Persian ships together with their crew and 30 ships that have come without load. Then they also take 3,000 Greeks captive who have fought for the Persians as mercenaries.

Motif References:

R 5 Capture on field of battle
P 557.0.4 (Li) Siege
J 2137 Death through lack of foresight

RvEAlx-9589: The duke Aristônîcus of Medimnêâ, who is supported by pirates and often molested by the Macedonians, comes to Kîun with military aid for Farnâbâzus. As he does not know what has happened there, his messengers announce his arrival to the (Greek) guards who ask him to meet Farnâbâzus the following morning. While the Persians retreat for the night, the Greeks instantly get armed and take them captive. Then the Greeks force Câre of Atêne, who has invaded Mitelêne, to surrender. He asks them for an escort to the island Imbrun. Alexander is very satisfied, Câres leaves.

Motif References:

R 5 Capture on field of battle
P 475 Robber [thief, outlaw, pirate]
K 770 Other deceptive captures
K 2369 Military strategy – miscellaneous

RvEAlx-9658: Alexander and his army turn toward Jerusalem. The Jews have a three days’ fasting on Jaddus’ order. They make sacrifices to God and ask Him to spare them. By night, the bishop [Jaddus] hears God’s voice that tells him that He will be on Jaddus’ side: The Jews should put on white robes and face Alexander.

Motif References:

V 73 Fasts
A 182.3 God (angel) speaks to mortal
P 426.2 Hermit
V 550 (Bm) Voice from heaven
P 715.1 Jews
F 966 Voices from heaven (or from the air)

RvEAlx-9703: The Jews follow God’s advice: They put on white garments and mount the hill Sophin upon which a building is erected that overlooks the town, to await Alexander. The bishop, Jaddus, is dressed richly: his stoles are golden, studded with hyacinth, his infule is made of silk and decorated with jewels; the name of God is written in gold letters on it. The others are dressed in white as well.

Motif References:

F 829 Extraordinary clothing and ornaments – miscellaneous

RvEAlx-9737: Alexander perceives the Jews. He dismounts from his horse, and when he reads God’s name (the Tetragramaton) on Jaddus’ infule, he praises God’s name. He is welcomed by the Jews. As Parmênîôn enquires why Alexander pays honor to this man, Alexander retorts that he did not praise the man, but God: Before he left on his war of conquest, the highest God appeared to him, clad the same way as Jaddus, God’s messenger. God wanted to submit Persia and both Asias to Alexander. He then moves to Jerusalem and makes a sacrifice to God in the temple.

Motif References:

P 19 Other motifs connected with kings
V 201 God
V 510 Religious visions
N 817.0.1 God as helper

RvEAlx-9811: Then, Jaddus shows him the book Daniel where it is written that a Greek king will defeat Persia. Alexander is convinced that this prophecy speaks of him. He promises to grant the Jews anything they want. They ask him for the safety to serve God the way they have been doing it since the lifetime of Moysê, then to be exempted from having to pay tribute every seventh year, then for free exercise of religion for the Jews living in Babylon, Mêdîâ, Persia. Alexander grants this. The overjoyed Jews promise that in each future generation of the tribe Lêvî, one will be named after him. Alexander leaves behind Andrômachus as a governor (the towns swear loyalty to him) and leaves.

Motif References:

P 193 (Bm) Guardian [regent]
M 201.0.2 Covenant between heathen and Israelites
M 223 Blind promise (rash boon)
M 290 Bargains and promises – miscellaneous
M 301.7 Biblical worthy as prophet
M 369.5 Prophecies concerning invasion and conquest

RvEAlx-9900: Jaddus has a brother, Manasses, who wants to succeed him as a High Priest. Saraballâ, who has been sent to Israel by Darius as a judge, marries his daughter to Manasses in order to back the-se intentions. But the Jews tell him either to leave his wife or abandon priesthood. As Manasses is a slave to his wife, he resigns from his position and goes with Isachâ, his wife, to his father-in-law, to the mountain of Garizim, where he gets a piece of land, Abigsâ. Saraballâ then bribes many Jews to leave their homeland and to come to live with him there: the Jews marry heathen women and abandon their faith.

Motif References:

T 210.2 Faithful husband
V 350 Conflicts between religions
K 2211 Treacherous [half-]brother. Usually elder brother
K 2370 Miscellaneous deceptions

RvEAlx-9941: Saraballâ then wants to build a temple resembling the one in Jerusalem (built by Zorobabêl after Nâbuchodônosor had destroyed Solomon’s temple), but Darius does not support this plan. The Samaritans are neither Jews nor heathens; they only live according to the five books of Moysê, and they refuse to be called Jews, they refer to their Jewish descent only when it suits their goals. In any case, they do not live according to God’s rule. These Samaritans, led by Saraballâ, now submit to Alexander and ask him for the permission to build their temple. Alexander grants this. This temple stood until after the re-surrection of Christ, when it was destroyed by the Romans. Then they ask Alexander for the same rights he granted the Jews. When he enquires about their faith, they tell him that Manasses and Efrâim are their ancestors and that they live according to their own laws. So Alexander says that he only granted freedom to the Jews and tells them to enter his service. So, they have lost their king, faith and God.

Motif References:

V 112 Temples
V 300 Religious beliefs

RvEAlx-10053: Alexander is also called “God’s Whip” as he avenges God: he punished those who were apostate from the true faith.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-10082: Darius sends for his retainer, the duke Bessus of Bactrâ, a country situated near Zîtîâ. Bessus’ people are extraordinarily warlike: they do nothing but fight and conquer, plunder and rob.

Motif References:

F 569 Unusual manner of life – miscellaneous
F 709 Other extraordinary countries

RvEAlx-10111: Darius summons Bessus to Babylon and asks him for advice: Bessus tells him to contact his retainers and relatives; if those who are obliged to give military aid refuse to do so, he will have to pay for their services. Darius follows this advice and summons an enormous army.

Motif References:

P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court [King’s council]
P 551 Army

RvEAlx-10148: Alexander is a wise man: he does not speak anything unnecessary: he is rather the person to act than to talk.

Motif References:

J 191 Wise men

RvEAlx-10175: Alexander besieges the town of Gazâ, ruled by the Persian duke Bêtis, but the town defends itself well. An Omen occurs: a raven flies above him and drops a piece of earth he holds in his claw on him. He then sits down on the pommel of a tower that is covered with glue and thus gets stuck. His attempts to escape are in vain, as also his feathers become glued. Alexander sends for Aristander and has him interpret this omen: The town will have to surrender to Alexander, but he should not make an instant assault (this will turn out badly), only after a day of peace; Alexander follows this advice: The following morning, he assaults Gazâ.

Motif References:

B 147.2.1.1 Raven as bird of good omen
P 557.0.4 (Li) Siege
H 614 Explanation of enigmatic phenomenon
F 989 Extraordinary occurrences concerning animals – miscellaneous
D 1712 Soothsayer (diviner, oracle, etc.)
D 1812.5.2.2 Meeting certain person (animal) a good omen

RvEAlx-10251: The Persian Arabs attacks Alexander; they fight in single combat. When Alexander cuts off Arabs’ arm, one of his opponent’s warriors shoots an arrow at him from the town walls and wounds him badly. The battle is ended by night. Alexander’s physician Philippe treats him: removes the arrow and dresses the wound. Alexander builds war-machines and siege towers and again assaults the town. They destroy the town walls. Then, Alexander is again seriously wounded by a blow by Bêtis, who is in his turn captured by Alexander’s men. Gazâ is broken and burned. 10,000 men are killed.

Motif References:

P 424 Physician
P 550.2 (Li) Single combat
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]

RvEAlx-10329: Bêtis is brought before Alexander, who has him punished: Bêtis is bound to wild horses and drawn through town. Gazâ then is destroyed down to its foundations.

Motif References:

S 117 Death by dragging behind horse
Q 416.2 Punishment: dragging to death by a horse [by horses]

RvEAlx-10345: Alexander moves to Egypt. The duke Amintas comes to Mâzedônj with a fleet of ten ships as military aid. Alexander leaves behind foot soldiers in Pelûsium and goes with his knights to Egypt, where he is received by his vassals.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-10373: Alexander enquires about a pillar with engravings: The Egyptians tell him that it was erected on the occasion of Nektânabus’ flight, the letters telling his story: Nektânabus was ordered by the gods to send the Egyptians his child as a future king. Alexander identifies himself as Nektânabus’ son. He is glad as he can now enter upon his father’s inheritance. He falls on his knees before the pillar and kisses the engraving.

Motif References:

N 120 Determination of luck or fate
N 760 Other accidental encounters
F 774 Extraordinary pillars

RvEAlx-10409: His kinsmen come to greet him, his lords swear fealty. Also Astacê of Persia, a mighty duke sent there by Darius (his country is traversed by the rivers Oron and Memphî) gives his oath of allegiance and accepts Alexander as a ruler (gives his country and rule over into his power).

Motif References:

P 17.0.2 Son succeeds father as king
M 100.0.1 (Li) Oath of allegiance

RvEAlx-10429: Alexander continues his travels and moves to the forest Hammôn. There the most important temple of heathendom is situated. The inhabitants of the region attempt to dissuade Alexander from this journey, as the path leads through an extremely hot and dangerous area. Alexander insists on visiting the forest that is consecrated to the gods and where the services take place. In paludem Marêôtim, Alexander meets messengers from Cîrêne with their presents.

Motif References:

V 112 Temples
V 114 Sacred groves

RvEAlx-10473: Alexander sets out to the forest through the dry, hot country, wading through the sand; oil, water and wine start boiling from the heat. But the moment the warriors are about to despair, a big cloud covers the sun, and it rains. Then, the army gets lost. Ravens show them the way.

Motif References:

B 151.2 Bird determines road to be taken
B 451.5 Helpful raven
F 709 Other extraordinary countries
F 962 Extraordinary precipitation

RvEAlx-10499: They finally arrive at the sacred grove; it is shadowy and cool, it is called “der Gote Gestüele” (seat of the gods). The place is situated next to Etîôpîâ on one side. South, in the direction of Arabia, there is a country called Tragôdîtis that stretches to the Red Sea. East live the Sîmuî, and north the Nasâmônes (who only live on robbery). In the forest itself, the Hamôniî live, a wild people that fortified the forest with three walls. The men live outside the walls, inside live their wives and children and the High Priests.

Motif References:

V 114 Sacred groves
F 566.2 Land where women live separate from men
F 569 Unusual manner of life – miscellaneous
F 709.3 Country of thieves and impostors

RvEAlx-10537: A fountain flows through the forest. It is called “der Sunnen Brunne” (the sun’s spring):In the morning, when the sun rises, it is tepid, by midday it gets too cold to drink, towards the evening, its temperature increases until it boils at midnight. For this reason, people worship also this fountain as a god.

Motif References:

V 1.6.2 Worship of water
F 716 Extraordinary fountain
F 933 Extraordinary occurrences connected with springs [fountains, wells]

RvEAlx-10555: Alexander makes his sacrifices, and the gods grant that he will make anyone subject to his rule as long as he lives. Many peoples come and do homage. Alexander leaves and turns toward Marêôtim.

Motif References:

V 11.9 Sacrifice to deity
V 215 (Hi) Heathen gods

RvEAlx-10570: Alexander has a castle built: Alexandria, at the Egyptian border. It fortifies Egypt and Babylon.

Motif References:

Z 703 (Bm) Eponymous account of city’s founding

RvEAlx-10589: As vermin destroy the soil, Alexander sends for the relics of Jerêmias and has them fixed in the town’s walls. The vermin disappear.

Motif References:

B 16 Devastating animals
V 144 Belief in miraculous powers of sacred relics
F 989 Extraordinary occurrences concerning animals – miscellaneous
D 1296 Sacred relic[s] as [part of] magic object
D 1380.0.1 Magic object protects a city [land]
D 1447 Magic object expels animals

RvEAlx-10621: Alexander appoints Eschalus as governor of Alexandria and Peucestes as governor of Egypt. Polîmones is detached on preserving the river Nîle (that flows into the sea near Dâmiât) with a fleet of 30 ships. Apollônîus is supposed to collect the tribute and bring it to Alexandria.

Motif References:

P 193 (Bm) Guardian [regent]

RvEAlx-10637: One day, Ector, the son of Parmênîône, drowns when the boat he has gone out with to swim sinks. He is mourned, as he was much loved by Alexander. At the same time Andrômachus is burned alive by the Samaritans. To avenge this, Alexander sends troops to Syria and has those killed who were responsible for Andrômachus’s death. He has also Aristônîcus and Crîsôlâus of Mêdimnêa slain, who once were caught in Kîun by Amphotêr and Hegelôch.

Motif References:

S 112 Burning to death
Q 211 Murder punished
N 339 Accidental death – miscellaneous
Q 411.6 Death as punishment for murder

RvEAlx-10685: The Athenians send Alexander their hostages and offer submission. Alexander accepts them and returns their countries to them as fiefs. Many of Darius’ lords submit to him.

Motif References:

P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]

RvEAlx-10701: Darius has in the meantime conquered Crete. Alexander sends Amphotêr to avenge this; the Persians flee, and Amphotêr takes back Crete. When Darius learns that Alexander now is situated in Africa, he does not know how to react: should he wait for him in Mesopotamia and fight him in Babylon or flee to his fortifications in Persia? As the region is well protected by the rivers Euphrates and Tigris and as he expects the troops from Zîtîâ, Bactrâ, India, he decides to stay. Darius gathers an enormous army.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-10779: Darius, the ruler of a third of the world, moves to Mesopotamia, traversing the Tigris (that has its source in paradise). He sends his marshal Satrôpates with 1000 warriors as scouts and tells Mâzêus and 6000 men to block Alexander’s way at the ford. He then orders to devastate the countries Alexander will supposedly come across. They construct a bridge over the river Lîcus and traverse it. On the plain at the banks of the river Bôumêlô, they pitch their camp, and root out the shrubs and bushes, as they have the intention to fight there. Darius also orders the inhabitants on punishment of death to have a market.

Motif References:

F 162.2.1 The four rivers of paradise
P 550 Military affairs

RvEAlx-10843: Alexander does not believe that Darius managed to raise such a big army, as he has already killed so many of his warriors, and so many of Darius’ lords submitted to him. He also summons his army.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-10868: As there is no bridge across the river Euphrates (rising in paradise), Alexander has a bridge built: He has boats connected with chains. The ends of the chains are fixed with big nails into the ground on the banks. The warriors only dare to walk over after Alexander has first driven cattle across, then traversed the river by himself. When they have reached the other bank, Alexander destroys the bridge. The men are astonished; they say that they now do not have any hope of return and must die if they are not victorious and have to flee. Alexander says that he has indeed destroyed the bridge to deprive them of this possibility: they will die in any case and so will fight more bravely.

Motif References:

F 162.2.1 The four rivers of paradise
J 755 All aspects of a plan must be foreseen

RvEAlx-10964: Euphrates and Tigris rise in paradise; one river traverses Babylon, the other Mesopotamia. They flow into the river Nile that flows through Egypt, passing by Dâmîât. Some people say that when the river Nile overflows its banks, the other two rivers dry up. When the Nile returns into its bed, the other rivers begin to bear water again. In Egypt, it never rains, the soil gets only watered by the floods of the river Nile.

Motif References:

F 162.2.1 The four rivers of paradise
F 708 Countries with one conspicuous lack
F 715 Extraordinary river
F 932 Extraordinary occurrences connected with rivers

RvEAlx-10991: Mâzêus has to let pass Alexander and his army through his country, as he cannot withstand. Instead, he burns down the country and all dwellings, but Alexander is still not put off, as he has enough reserves and does not need anything the country provides. So, the Persians have only damaged themselves.

Motif References:

J 610 Forethought in conflict with others – general

RvEAlx-11023: Alexander comes to the river Tigris. “Tigris” means “missile” in Indian, as it flows extremely quickly. As there is no bridge, Alexander’s army crosses it by swimming; many men come to death in the rapids. On the other bank, they pitch their camp.

Motif References:

Z 702 (Hi) Eponymous account of place name
F 715 Extraordinary river

RvEAlx-11058: Alexander receives the news that Satrôpates and his army are nearby. He orders the count of Pêônje, Aristonâ, and a troop to fight against Satrôpates. A part of the Persian warriors flees, and Aristonâ attacks Satrôpates and kills him. All the others are slain as well. Then Aristonâ dismounts from his horse, removes Satrôpates’ helmet and cuts off his head. He lays it before Alexander’s feet; Alexander rewards him with riches and the country as fief.

Motif References:

Q 72.1 Reward for loyalty to king
S 139.2 Slain person dismembered
P 555.2.1.1 ”Publication of slaying”. Heads of slain enemies displayed
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]

RvEAlx-11122: The following night, the moon becomes red like blood. The soothsayers say that the greatest murder ever is going to happen.

Motif References:

F 961.3.1 Moon turns to blood [turns bloody]
D 1812.5.1.1 Prodigy as evil omen

RvEAlx-11133: The next day, the Macedonians move to the mountains of Montes Kordêos that separate them from the Persian army. It is extremely hot. In order to cheat the enemy about the size of his army, Alexander has his warriors drag bushes, branches and leaves after them. When the Persians see this, they believe that Alexander’s army is much larger than their own because of the dust that is stirred up.

Motif References:

K 2351.6.2 (Bm) Branches tied to horses’ tails stir up dust which makes army seem larger and blinds opponents

RvEAlx-11184: Alexander and his army pitch their camp. Alexander sends out his scouts to prevent the Persians from burning the territory. They also find great amounts of grain which they take with them.

Motif References:

P 550 Military affairs

RvEAlx-11209: A chamberlain, Tîriotes, brings news of the death of the Persian queen, Darius’ wife, who was held captive by Alexander in a fortress. Alexander is very sad about her death and visits the castle. He has her crowned with a precious crown, then consoles her daughter. Tîriotes then brings the bad tidings to Darius. Darius believes that she was killed on Alexander’s order, but the chamberlain swears that Alexander is innocent and always treated her with respect, even crowned her after her death. Darius laments loudly, as he does not know what he has done to deserve such a lot.

Motif References:

P 29 Queens – miscellaneous

RvEAlx-11360: Darius sends for ten of his highest lords and asks for their advice how to get back his mother, sister and child from Alexander. On their advice to give Alexander as much of his territory as he wants, Darius sends messengers that offer Alexander the countries between Alim and the Euphrates, the Ellesponte and the borders of Lîdîâ as well as the hand of his daughter in exchange for the other hostages. Alexander could keep his, Darius’, son as a hostage as long as it takes to find an agreement. Alexander receives the messengers and listens to his enemy’s offer.

Motif References:

P 533.1 Hostages

RvEAlx-11417: Alexander retires with his counselors. Parmênîôn advises to accept the offer: Alexander should release the prisoners and the ladies, as well as those knights who were captured in Dâmas: The care of the captives prevents too many knights from service in battle. Alexander should take Darius’ daughter as a wife and keep the mother and the sister as hostages. Parmênîôn remarks that the countries offered are better known and therefore safer than still undiscovered India and Bactrâ. Riches, countries and the relation to one of the mightiest kings can only be of advantage to Alexander.

Motif References:

P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counselors of court [King’s council]
P 533.1 Hostages

RvEAlx-11473: Alexander does not accept the proposal: He does not want to take property in exchange for honor; he wants both, property and honor, and if he had to choose, he would prefer honor. If Darius wants to find an agreement, he had better submit to him and accept him as sovereign. He dismisses the messengers with the following words: he would never attack a defenseless person, therefore Darius’ worrying about his wife’s death is unreasonable; further, he is astonished that the Persian king dares to offer him countries he already owns; he also refuses to accept the hand of Darius’ daughter, as this implicates that Darius considers him as his retainer. He wants Darius to submit to him entirely or to fight him. The messengers take leave, asking for a three-days’ peace to arrange preparations for battle. The peace is granted. Darius receives the message and decides to fight.

Motif References:

J 230 Choice: real and apparent values
J 247 Goodness [honor] preferred to wealth
P 556 Challenge to battle
P 558 (Bm) Truce

RvEAlx-11597: Mâzêus and 3000 warriors are assigned control of the fords and paths Alexander might come across. Mâzêus mistakes Mênidas, who is sent out as a spy by Alexander for Alexander himself and informs Darius.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-11631: Darius raises his army: The left wing is commanded by Bessus of Bactriân with 8000 men. He leads 1000 knights from Bactriân, then the Dâchen with 1000 men, the Swâne and the Arâcôsî with 4000 warriors and 100 battle wagons [wagenvane]. They are followed by the Massagêten, 2000 men from Sogdîân, the Marden under Arjôbarzanes, Orîombates leading the Persian army. 200 battle wagons follow: They are fortified with battlements and carry sharp lances with their tips up, giving the whole carriage the appearance of a bristly animal. In each yoke, three swords stick. Each wagon transports warriors. Each wheel is overlaid with iron, the spokes are furnished with sharp blades. This truck is followed by Orsines, then Frâdâtes leading the troops from Kaspîâ, the êrste Indîâ, and the Rôten Lebermer. Then, the foot soldiers follow. The right wing is formed by the Bêlîten from Armênje (called the minors) and those from the mountains of Cossîôn who are commanded to the support of those from Babylon, the Eubôîze, the Gortuê – who have come together with the Mêden -, those from Katâô, from Phrîgâ, the Parten, the Zîten, those from Armênje, the Câdûsî, the Sûrîe. Darius himself chooses those from Kapadôzje and the Mêdî as his own army. 50 battle wagons follow, transporting archers and knights. Darius has the warriors counted: 54,000 knights on horseback, 200,000 foot soldiers.

Motif References:

P 552 Battle formations
P 552.4 War-machines
F 873.2 Enormous army (camp)

RvEAlx-11769: Alexander encourages his warriors who lose their confidence when realizing the gigantic size of their opponent’s army. Mâzêus watches Alexander’s army from the top of a hill and gets discouraged in his turn, as he thinks that it has increased. Above all, the sight is blurred, as a mist has risen above the armies from the heat.

Motif References:

F 873.2 Enormous army (camp)

RvEAlx-11801: Alexander sends out those from Peônje as scouts and gives orders to dig a mound. By night he summons his counselors. Parmênîôn points out that in the Persian army there are many strangers who do not speak any other language but their own. The Greeks should attack the Persians in their sleep: before they have time to get armed, the Greeks will have killed many of them. Polipercôn agrees with this. But Alexander refuses this suggestion, as it is cowardly, dishonorable and worthy of robbers. The Greeks retire to rest.

Motif References:

P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court
J 230 Choice: real and apparent values
P 557.0.1 (Li) Council of war
K 2369 Military strategy – miscellaneous

RvEAlx-11884: The Persians take precautions against a surprise attack by night: they light fires, stay awake, blow trombones. Darius prays to his gods, Alexander makes sacrifices to his gods following Aristander’s instructions, asking them for help; then he goes to sleep. The following morning, Parmênîôn wakes him up, reproaching him with sleeping so long, urging him to line up his army. Alexander defends himself, saying that the long rest made him free from sorrow.

Motif References:

V 11.9 Sacrifice to deity
K 2378.5 Hero sleeps during the first part of battle and emerges only later [Hero sleeps late on day of battle]

RvEAlx-11932: Alexander summons his counselors. He receives them with a laugh, encouraging them, and has them sit down. Then he arranges the battle formation. He chooses the most courageous men of his troop (those from Agrîân) and orders them off to ride round the troops as protection against attacks from behind. Attalus commands the archers from Crete. Those from Illîrje, Trâzîâ and their mercenaries are detached to protect the sides and the back of the army. Military strategy: The Macedonians should make the Persians believe that they are without defense by letting them pass unharmed with their battle wagons. Then, they should fight the warriors following the wagons and destroy those. Alexander himself wants to ride on the right, Parmênîôn on the left.

Motif References:

P 550 Military affairs
P 552 Battle formations

RvEAlx-12051: Bîôn informs the Greeks that the Persians have laid mantraps in the field. Alexander warns his warriors against them. He promises that if they defeat Persia, a third of Asia will be tributary to them. The Persians never defeated them. They shall be high-minded (bear the ladies in mind). The warriors swear support.

Motif References:

K 2369 Military strategy – miscellaneous

RvEAlx-12091: When the night falls, Darius again fortifies his camp. He sends for his knights and has an encouraging speech: Every time Alexander was victorious in the past, it was for the reason that his army outnumbered the Persian (like in the battles against Memnôn and in Zilîzje). Now, the Persian army is six times bigger than the Greek army. The Persians should fight for their property, their kin and their children. They have never been anyone’s subject. He himself, Darius, swears that he will be victorious or at least fight until the end. His warriors swear support.

Motif References:

M 166 Other vows about fighting
F 873.2 Enormous army (camp)

RvEAlx-12181: Alexander thinks about how to avoid the mantraps. So, they turn toward Darius’ camp. The battle between Alexander’s and Darius’ armies begins. The Bactrânes start fighting, followed by the Arâcôsî and the Swâne. Flutes are played, shields and spears break from the onslaught, splinters fly. Clîtus kills a Persian standard-bearer. Then, the highest of the Persian standard-bearers, Bessus, retreats, and Clîtus kills many Persians. Arjôbarzanes and Orîombates come to support the Baktrânen with their troops from Sogdiân, the Marden and the battle wagons. Following Alexander’s strategy, Clîtus lets the chariots pass by. Philôtas, one of the Greek standard-bearers, fights furiously, but has to retreat because the Persians are too strong and fight from their wagons.

Motif References:

P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]

RvEAlx-12309: Mâzêus takes advantage of Philôtas’ retreat and goes to the tent where the Greeks keep their captives. He kills the surprised enemies and releases the captives, but when Alexander learns about this, he sends Amintas and Arêtes to recapture them.

Motif References:

R 121 Means of rescue from prison
R 350 Recapture of fugitive

RvEAlx-12345: Meljâger commanding the Phâlangen attacks the wagons. Philôtas drives back Arjôbarzanes, Meljâger unhorses Orîombates and gets captured. The Persians Orsines and Phrâdâtes of Kaspîâ join in with their troops from the Rôten Lebermer and from Indîâ. Many Persians are slain. The Bêlîten, those from Armênje and Babylon engage in the battle and drive back the Macedonians. Argraspites, Nîkanor and Zênôs attack the Persians, furious about their opponents’ joy, but their armies endure great losses. Oreste and the Linzeste come to their support, followed by Poliper and Amintas. Phaligrus Balacricôs and his troop kill many Persians, who get support from those from Cassiôn, from the Gortuê, the Eubôizê, the Catâônîten, the Parten, the Zîten, the Kâdûsî, those from Sûrîe and from Phrîgîâ. Darius himself fights with his troop from Capadôzje and with the archers. The Persians and Mêdî follow. Krâterus with the troops from Lôcrense and Pêloponense, Malêôn with the troop from Achâjâ engage on the side of the Greeks. Now, the complete army of the Persians is engaged in battle. The Persians outnumber the Greeks by far. The arrows darken the sun. The pages fight with slings.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-12575: Alexander fights ferociously, killing many men. His horse Bûzevâl supports him, bringing many to death.

Motif References:

B 16.1.3 Devastating horse
B 301.4.8 Faithful horse fights together with its master [saves master’s life]
F 628.2 Strong man kills men

RvEAlx-12598: The Persian army is so vast that many of the warriors die accidentally at the hands of their own comrades-in-arms.

Motif References:

N 339 Accidental death – miscellaneous

RvEAlx-12605: The losses of the Persian army increase. 10,000 men have died, 200 of their chariots are already destroyed. Parmênîôn fights furiously. Mâzêus attacks Alexander, but is driven back by Bûzevâl. Zênôs is seriously wounded by arrows, Mênidas distinguishes himself in fight, but dies from his wounds. Mâzêus finally flees to Babylon. Perdiccas and Ephestîôn come to support Parmênîôn. Ephestîôn kills a Persian lord who cuts off his arm. Also Perdiccas is mortally wounded. A great part of the Persian army has been killed by then.

Motif References:

F 1084 Furious battle [fight]

RvEAlx-12713: Darius deplores the losses of his army. He wants to die rather than watch all his warriors slain in the name of his honor. Against his counselors’ advice, he participates in battle until his own army withdraws. When the Macedonians realize the waning resistance, they fight even more ferociously.

Motif References:

P 12.5 Good king never retreats in battle

RvEAlx-12751: When Attalus and the archers from Crete and the troops from Agrîân engage in battle, the Persians flee and are pursued by the Greeks. Their flight is blocked by deserted chariots on the battlefield. The Persians barricade themselves in the wagons. Darius and his army flee over the bridge across the river Lîkus. The bridge breaks. The greatest part of the men die. The Macedonians are victorious. This is the end of the Persian empire.

Motif References:

R 220 Flights
R 260 Pursuits
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]

RvEAlx-12813: The great Persian empire which Darius increased by making many other countries tributary thus was destroyed by Alexander. It took 30 days to distribute the booty. Alexander made sacrifices to the gods and had all the dead buried (Macedonians and Persians).

Motif References:

V 69.1 All dead are buried after battle
P 555.0.1 (Si) Booty. The spoils of war.

RvEAlx-12845: The number of the Persians who have perished can not be determined: 60,000 are found on the battlefield, but there are also many who drowned. There has never been a war that caused so many injuries and casualties.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-12869: In the third year of Alexander’s war against the Persians, 1,500,000 men died. This number has to be believed, as the war was caused by God’s wish, who wanted to submit the heathens through Alexander, as it is told by Jôsephus and other authors. Whoever acts against God, deserves rightful punishment. This is the end of the third book.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-12923: Prologue to the fourth book: Those who deserve praise are praised rightfully. Rudolf is going to tell the story of the one who deserves the highest praise of all. Those who strive for praise should follow the example of worthy people of the past whose lives are described in the books.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-12972: At the time of the rule of the Emperor Constantin, two of his judges in Rome, Jôhannes and Marînus, were supposed to send a messenger to him to Greece. They chose the wise Lêô. During his stay, Lêô searched the Greek books for a moral topic to translate into Latin. He found many books, among them also the writings of Aristôtiles about Alexander. Lêô followed these scriptures to write his story of Alexander in Latin (his birth, the marvels he saw on his campaign, the countries he conquered). As he omitted an exact description of the wars, Curtus Rûfus supplied this, also in Latin. Jôsephus is the source of the passage about Alexander and the Jews. The saint Metôdîus, one of Christ’s martyrs, described how Alexander imprisoned Gog and Mâgog, and provided the information about Olimpias’ descent and her fate after Alexander’s death. Rudolf now writes the true story of Alexander in German.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-13065: After the final battle against Alexander, Darius returns to the town Arbêlâ. On his counselors’ advice, he goes to his central countries, fearing that Alexander might take Sûsîs and Babylon. He flees to Mêdîâ.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-13097: Arbêlâ surrenders to Alexander without resistance. He takes the treasure Darius has left there as booty (4,000 marks of gold) and divides it among his followers. Because it is impossible to bury all the dead, the stench of decaying corpses becomes so overwhelming and awful that Alexander and his army have to leave.

Motif References:

P 555.0.1 (Si) Booty. The spoils of war.

RvEAlx-13117: Alexander travels to Arabia. This country is remarkably fertile because of the rivers Euphrates and Tigris. The adjacent country of Mesopotamia is also very fertile. The two rivers flow through mountains that enclose Mêdîâ, then flow through Babylon and traverse Egypt towards the Red sea.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-13142: The fortified castle Mennim surrenders to Alexander. A well in Mennim transports loam with which the walls of Babylon were built: it makes the walls as hard as glass.

Motif References:

F 777 (Bm) Extraordinary wall

RvEAlx-13154: Approaching the town Babylon, Alexander and his men see magnificent castles built under the rule of Xerses of Persia. The Macedonians plunder and burn them until Alexander commands them to stop their pillaging. He does not want the graves of the Persian kings desecrated.

Motif References:

W 11.5 Generosity toward enemy
P 12 Character of kings

RvEAlx-13183: Nînus, king of Assyria, has the most beautiful tomb: one side is made of an amethyst that is engraved with little birds. The jewel is transparent and shines beautifully, so that the embalmed king is visible. Also the other sides are made of costly jewels. Nînus was one of the mightiest kings ever, he founded Nînivê.

Motif References:

Z 703 (Bm) Eponymous account of city’s founding
F 778 (Bm) Extraordinary tomb
F 852.1 Glass coffin

RvEAlx-13219: Mâzêus of Babylon welcomes Alexander together with the young lords and surrenders the town to Alexander. The two sovereigns divide their troops into four parts; two and two are joined together. The whole event is watched from the battlements and the walls. Bâgôfanes, the chamberlain, is jealous that Mâzêus honors Alexander that way. In order to outdo Mazeus, he has flowers and carpets spread in the streets and the walls of the houses covered with precious fabrics. The best singers – from Kaldêâ – are engaged. Incense, myrrh and lignâ âlôê are burned, as it is a custom in the heathen countries. Wild beasts (leopards and lions) are paraded. Then, finally, Bâgôfanes himself appears. He is accompanied by many nobles, by musicians playing string-instruments and tambourines, and by the ladies.

Motif References:

P 50 Noblemen (knights) [rules of chivalry]
R 75 Surrendering
W 181 Jealousy

RvEAlx-13297: Alexander receives the greetings and the loyalty sworn by his new subjects. He enfeoffs them who were formerly Darius’ vassals and retainers. He stays there for 34 days.

Motif References:

P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]

RvEAlx-13321: Amintas arrives with reinforcement for Alexander: 6000 foot soldiers and 500 knights sent by Antipater, 6000 foot soldiers from Trâzîâ, 12,000 from Pêloponense, 3000 knights, 50 squires who are appointed to care for the king wherever he is (during the meals, on the hunt). Alexander receives them gladly.

Motif References:

P 50 Noblemen (knights) [rules of chivalry]

RvEAlx-13357: Alexander installs Agatôn as governor of Babylon with 1,000 soldiers. Mênêtas, Apollodôrus, Bagôfanes and Mâzêus are appointed as governors of the country, Mitrênes governs Armênje. Alexander gives the treasure he finds as pay.

Motif References:

P 193 (Bm) Guardian [regent]

RvEAlx-13387: Satrapêne submits to Alexander as well. Alexander rearranges his army: He chooses nine princes and appoints each of them as leader of 1,000 knights. Each troop swears to follow their leader’s order.

Motif References:

M 166 Other vows about fighting

RvEAlx-13441: The count of Sûsîs, Abûlites, sends his son as a hostage to Alexander, who enfeoffs him with the country. On the banks of the river Aspen, Alexander and Abûlites meet. The count swears loyalty and gives Alexander many presents: 12 elephants from India, many dromedars, camels and horses. Alexander enfeoffs Abûlites with the countries he formerly had from Darius. Abûlites then places Darius’ treasure into Alexander’s hands: 50,000 pounds of silver. Alexander divides it among his men. He leaves behind Archelâus and 3,000 warriors with Abûlites: they are appointed to govern Sûsîs.

Motif References:

P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]
P 193 (Bm) Guardian [regent]
P 533.1 Hostages

RvEAlx-13503: The Persian queen is entrusted to the count of Satrapîâ. He provides her with magnificent fabrics. She mourns her losses.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-13532: Alexander moves to the river Tigris. The river Phâsim also flows through the country. Alexander enters the country of the Uxîôren, which is situated between Sûsîs and Persia. The ruler is called Mâdâtes. Alexander and his troops ascend the mountains and only manage to conquer the capital city after a fight, as the inhabitants show resistance. This infuriates Alexander, and the inhabitants ask the Persian queen to intervene on their behalf. Alexander is pacified when he receives her letter and accepts the inhabitants as his vassals. He gives them treasures and they show him the way to Persia.

Motif References:

P 25 Queen meddles in state affairs
P 550.1.1 (Li) Aggression: rebellion; usurpation; invasion; assault

RvEAlx-13624: Alexander orders Parmênîôn to travel on the road with half of the army. He himself and the other part of the men will traverse the mountains. On the fifth day, Alexander comes to Sûsidas Pîlas. The Persian Arjôbazanes and 20,000 men offer resistance and attack the Macedonians with bows and catapults.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-13660: A Persian captive who knows the Greek language tells Alexander that the attempt to bring the army through the mountains that way is vain. He knows the region well: there are unknown paths leading through the wilderness. The mountains stretch from the Caucasus to the Red Sea. At the mountains’ foot is a wide country that is crossed by the river Araxes. Persia is enclosed by the mountains and this country. The captive once was a hunter in this region, this is how he got to know it. Then he lived in Lîzîâ, where he got captured by the Persians during their invasion there. He had lived in Persian captivity until he got into Alexander’s hands. Alexander appoints him as guide.

Motif References:

P 557.0.2 (Li) Spy. Messenger

RvEAlx-13715: Alexander appoints Crâterô as leader of the army, he himself wants to accompany the guide together with Melêâger and his 10,000 warriors. When they leave, Alexander gives orders to the troops staying behind to light fires and make noise so that the enemy does not realize he left. In the morning, Alexander and the warriors reach the high mountain region. The paths are invisible, covered with snow. The warriors wade in snow up to their belts. The following day, they mount the saddleback, then traverse a dangerous and dark mountain. Finally, they rest on an open space. Alexander divides the army again. Cênôs and Philôtas, Amintas and Poliperkôn should take half of the army and approach the Persians from the right. He himself takes lead of the other half, in order to attack from the left. By midday, the surprised Persians realize that the Macedonians have outflanked them. When Crâterus and his men also engage in battle, the Macedonians easily defeat the Persians: they flee.

Motif References:

R 220 Flights
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
K 2369 Military strategy – miscellaneous

RvEAlx-13867: Arjôbarzanes flees to Persîpolis, the capital town, but the citizens close the gates to him. So, Crâterus and his army catch up with him and defeat him in front of town. The citizens surrender to the Greeks.

Motif References:

R 75 Surrendering

RvEAlx-13886: The treasurer sends a letter to Alexander, summoning him to the fortification where the treasure is kept, as the appointed guardians are about to carry it off. On the banks of the river Araxes, there are many castles without defense. Alexander and his army chase the inhabitants away and conquer these castles. One of those castles serves as a prison of the king Darius: There, former hostages, captives of war or persons who refused to surrender their property to the king are kept under terrible conditions: they are mistreated, mutilated (hands and feet cut off etc.), and kept in fetters and chains. When they hear the noise of the approaching army, they cry out loudly, asking for help. Alexander liberates them and enquires about the reasons for their imprisonment. Among them, there are also 4,000 Greeks who were captured while fighting in his service.

Motif References:

R 41 Captivity in tower (castle, prison)
R 51.3 Prisoners mutilated
R 110 Rescue of captive

RvEAlx-13975: Alexander promises riches to the Greeks as reward for the hardships they had to endure. They can choose whatever they want. They retire to deliberate among themselves: some only want to return home again, others would like to stay. Euctêmôn interferes: he says that they owned property and had courage before they went out on this military campaign, now they have lost everything. If they return in such a miserable condition, their ladies would not appreciate their return. It is better to be a laughing-stock abroad than at home. So, Euctêmôn advises to ask Alexander for land to live in. Têâdetus argues against this, as the inhabitants in Persia harmed them in the past. They had better return. Alexander says he would accept both solutions. They deliberate again and finally agree to accept a piece of land in Persia. Alexander also provides them with peasants to cultivate the soil, with cattle and grain. Each of them gets 3,000 pennies.

Motif References:

Q 112.0.2 Half of property as reward

RvEAlx-14101: Alexander then wants to conquer the well-fortified castles of Regjâ and Persâgadâ, where the inhabitants have fled to. They were built by the king Cîrus. The count Glôbârîs surrenders to Alexander and swears loyalty. Alexander appoints Nîcartides as governor of Persîpolis and provides him with 3,000 warriors as support. Tîrîdates entrusts Alexander with the treasure.

Motif References:

R 75 Surrendering
P 193 (Bm) Guardian [regent]

RvEAlx-14153: Alexander heads for inner Persia. The men pass through high mountains, covered with snow and ice. When his men are about to despair, Alexander takes lead of the train; they follow.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-14175: They also come across the country where the wild Mardî live: they live only on stealth and robbery, quarrel and war. They have long hair and wear shaggy clothes reaching only down to their knees. They always walk, as they do not know how to ride. They live on animals and cattle. They were tributary to Darius and now submit to Alexander.

Motif References:

R 75 Surrendering
F 567 Wild man
F 569 Unusual manner of life – miscellaneous
F 709 Other extraordinary countries

RvEAlx-14203: On the 30th day, Alexander returns to Persîpolis and distributes the treasure among his men (each gets 10 pounds of gold). He then heads for Mêdîâ. The prince Platôn comes with 10,000 knights and 5,000 foot soldiers from Zilîzje. Alexander wants to attack Darius, who has meanwhile settled in Ecbâtâna, the capital of Mêdîâ (which was built by Arfaxât).

Motif References:

RvEAlx-14233: Darius still is unresolved whether to flee or fight. He has 30,000 foot-soldiers under the command of Bessus of Bactrâ at his service, as well as 4,000 Greeks under Patrône. He asks Bessus, Patrône, Nâbarzânes and other counselors for advice. They are the only ones that are on his side after Alicarnasus, Mâzêus, Bâgôfanes, Tîrîdates, Mitrênes have deserted and received their lands as fiefs from Alexander. Artâbâzus says that they will be faithful to him in any case. Nâbarzânes advises Darius to entrust his countries to someone who has so much power that he could defend him. In Bactrâ, Sâges and India he might find such support. As luck has left him, he had better leave the country to someone luckier and take it back after the defeat of Alexander. He counsels Darius to entrust the kingdom to Bessus, but Darius refuses this idea. He does not want to submit to his own retainers, he would rather become Alexander’s vassal or die. Nâbarzânes and Bessus leave the council. Patrôn and Artâbâzus make attempts to console the king.

Motif References:

P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court [King’s council]
J 230 Choice: real and apparent values
P 557.0.1 (Li) Council of war

RvEAlx-14419: Nâbarzânes and Bessus decide to desert to Alexander, as Darius has lost all his power and property and is not any longer able to reward them. They have the plan to capture Darius and to turn him over to Alexander. If the Greek king refuses to reward them, they will occupy the Persian countries with their troops. But Patrôn overhears this secret conversation (draws conclusions from their gestures) and takes precautions: gives his men orders to get armed and never to leave Darius alone. Darius wants to leave for Bactrâ.

Motif References:

N 455 Overheard (human) conversation
K 2247 Treacherous lord [vassal]
K 2370 Miscellaneous deceptions

RvEAlx-14489: Darius becomes ill from sorrow during his journey to Bactrâ. As it is the custom of the country, he rather travels in a carriage than by horse. Patrôn and Artâbâzus (accompanied by 4,000 princes and 30,000 warriors) care for him. Patrôn warns Darius against the treacherous plans of Nâbarzânes and Bessus and advises the king against traveling to their country. He counsels him to go to those Greeks he once brought to Persia who survived the war. But Darius refuses again: he is bound to trust those whom he should trust; if those are not trustworthy, he cannot force them. Bessus is curious about their conversation, acting like any man with treacherous intentions: he thinks that two people talking are speaking about him.

Motif References:

P 13 Customs connected with kings
U 129 Nature will show itself – miscellaneous
J 230 Choice: real and apparent values
F 1041.9 Extraordinary illness

RvEAlx-14579: By night, Darius thanks Artâbâzes under tears for his loyalty. He knows that he will die, as Nâbarzânes and Bessus will surely kill him. They both cry.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-14610: The highest chamberlain visits Darius in his tent. When he leaves him, he tears off his clothes, tears out his hair and laments loudly. This makes the lords believe that Darius has died.

Motif References:

F 1041.21.6 Tearing hair and clothes from excessive grief

RvEAlx-14637: The lords report to Nâbarzânes and Bessus that Darius has killed himself. When they want to verify this, they find out that he is still alive and take him captive: they put him in golden chains. Neither Artâbâzus (who flees to Partîânen) nor Patrôn succeed in liberating their king. Nâbarzânes and Bessus divide Darius’ treasure with their helpers.

Motif References:

P 16 End of king’s reign
Q 111 Riches as reward
K 2247 Treacherous lord [vassal]
K 2370 Miscellaneous deceptions

RvEAlx-14675: Meanwhile, Alexander is stationed in Tâbâ. Bâgistân of Babylon brings him the news of Darius’ capture. Alexander tells his men to get up from their rest: they shall capture Darius, then, their hardship will come to an end. The Persian Mêlôn tells them how Darius was taken; Alexander chooses 6,000 men and follows him. Orsilôs and Mitrâzênis, two of Darius loyal lords who managed to escape from the traitors, lead Alexander to the traitors. Alexander divides his troop into four parts. Brôcûbêlus, Mazêus’ son, informs them that Darius and his guards are just about to leave for Ircânje or for Bactrâ. Alexander and his men hurry to catch up with them.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-14783: When the Persians realize that they are pursued they scatter in all directions. Darius refuses to leave his carriage and take a horse to escape; he says that Alexander will certainly treat him better and more loyally than his men; he would rather die than follow them. They continue quarreling, the lords tearing at the carriage, Darius resisting. Finally, the lords get so furious because of the delay that they attack Darius with their swords and wound him seriously. They leave him lying there, Bessus flees to Bactrâ, Nâbarzânes to Ircânje. The Persians fight against Alexander’s troop led by Nîcanor, but they are defeated.

Motif References:

S 115 Murder by stabbing
R 220 Flights
J 227 Death preferred to other evils

RvEAlx-14844: The Macedonian, Polistrâtus, finds Darius still alive. He brings him water to strengthen him, and lays him on his shield and thrusts his sword into the earth beside his head to pay him the honor due to a king. Then he leaves him to search for Alexander.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-14882: Alexander comes to his dying enemy. He covers him with his cloak and laments him. He wanted to make his peace with him, now he is about to die. He cries over him, laying the wounded man’s head on his bosom. Darius speaks to him. He says that his own life is exemplary of the way of the world. He advises Alexander always to stay moderate and not to have overweening demands, no matter what goods and honors he might be offered. Honor (êre) cannot be bought, but has to be strived for moderately. He, Darius, himself is a good example of overweening behavior: he was once rich, now he has nothing.

Motif References:

W 11.5 Generosity toward enemy
J 154 Wise words of dying father [king]
L 410.1 Proud king humbled

RvEAlx-15016: Darius entrusts his mother and friends to Alexander and appoints him as heir to his kingdom: he shall marry Rosâne, his daughter. He asks him to arrange a burial worthy of a king for him and begs him to leave the Persians in the position that he granted them. He dies.

Motif References:

P 16.0.1 (Bm) Regicide
T 68.4 Vanquished king gives hero his daughter and control over his kingdom

RvEAlx-15047: Alexander laments Darius’ death. He beats his chest and tears out his hair. He has the Persian king prepared for a royal burial and transported to Rêgîâ. Alexander himself carries the bier and crowns Darius. He liberates the captive ladies. Darius is mourned by his people.

Motif References:

W 11.5 Generosity toward enemy
P 12.9.1 (Bm) King mourns dead enemy
F 1041.21.6 Tearing hair and clothes from excessive grief

RvEAlx-15078: After Darius’ burial, Alexander accepts the oaths of allegiance of Darius’ vassals. He marries Rosâne and has her crowned in the presence of the nobles.

Motif References:

P 18 Marriage of kings
P 29 Queens – miscellaneous
M 100.0.1 (Li) Oath of allegiance

RvEAlx-15087: In this town there is also the palace that was built by Cîrus of Persia. It is made of jewels, with filigree-work, the walls and the floor are reflecting, like glass. The vault depicting the sky is held by golden pillars; luminous jewels symbolize the stars that illuminate the room. The luxury impresses Alexander.

Motif References:

F 771.1.1.1 Castle paved with gold and gems
F 826 Extraordinary jewels
D 1645.1 Incandescent jewel

RvEAlx-15125: Alexander calms Darius’ former retainers who still suffer and worry. He even grants them higher honors than they had experienced until then. He wants them to help him pacify the country and to establish a just rule there. One of the princes grants support. On his advice, Alexander summons the principal noblemen. Alexander and Rosâne are seated on the royal throne that also once belonged to Cîrus. They are crowned, then the noblemen receive their fiefs.

Motif References:

P 13.5 Crowning [and making] of kings
P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of v.
M 100.0.1 (Li) Oath of allegiance

RvEAlx-15193: On the advice of the nobles, Alexander proclaims Public Peace (covering the region as far as Elladâ); death as punishment for breaking of peace. The roads are secured to grant free passage for anyone. Alexander regrets that he caused the death of so many people. He would like to buy back their lives if he could.

Motif References:

P 19 Other motifs connected with kings

RvEAlx-15240: An outstanding feast is celebrated. The author refuses to describe the entertainments and luxury.

Motif References:

P 634 Feasts

RvEAlx-15253: Duritus, the uncle of Darius (who was the son of Duritus’ sister), is appointed as guardian to Darius’ son who was taken captive in the first battle and is now liberated. Darius’ brother is enfeoffed with Mêdîâ.

Motif References:

P 193 (Bm) Guardian [regent]

RvEAlx-15269: Then, Alexander sends letters home to his mother and teacher, to inform them about the events and to ask them to celebrate his wedding. Olimpias sends her son presents, Aristôtiles sends him wise counsels in a letter. [lacuna]

Motif References:

J 152 Wisdom (knowledge) from sage (teacher)

RvEAlx-15305: Alexander divides the gifts his mother sends him among his followers with a generosity as if jewels and gold grew on trees.

Motif References:

W 11.2 Munificent monarch

RvEAlx-15337: Alexander and Rosâne install a wise rule. They have a happy marriage: they are unanimous about everything and love each other above anything else. Alexander marries two of her cousins and other ladies to noblemen and enfeoffs them.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-15377: Rudolf mentions Danîêl’s prophecy: years before, king Nâbucho-dônosor of Assyria ruled the whole world. One night he had a dream that he instantly forgot. He was eager to recall it, so he summoned the soothsayers and asked them what it was he dreamed of. He threatened to have them killed and their families enslaved. As they were only able to interpret dreams, not to recall them, the king carried out his threats and had all of them slain.

Motif References:

P 12.2.1 Tyrannical king [lord]
Q 380 Deeds punished – miscellaneous
H 1042 Task: recalling a dream someone else has had
D 1712.3 Interpreter of dreams

RvEAlx-15437: At that time, many captives from Judea were at court, among them the nobles Danîêl, Misahêl, Ananîas, and Asarîas. Three of them were those whom God saved from being burned on the roast. When Nâbuchodônosor’s myrmidons came to burn them together with the other soothsayers, they asked for a respite. They prayed to God to reveal the dreamn to them. This happened: The following morning, Danîêl visited the king and told him the dream:

Motif References:

V 50 Prayer
V 201 God
P 715.1 Jews
N 817.0.1 God as helper

RvEAlx-15497: Nâbuchodônosor saw the statue of a man: head and neck were golden, arms, shoulders and breast were silver, the trunk down to the hips of bronze. The legs were of steel, the feet of clay. As Nâbuchodônosor got quite fearful, the dream vanished. The king recognizes his dream and asks Danîêl for an interpretation. The golden head, says Danîêl, signifies Nâbuchodônosor’s power and kingdom that will be divided in two parts – Persia and Mêdîâ – after his death (symbolized by the silver arms). The bronze trunk means the power of the Greeks that will overwhelm any other reign (this indicates the coming of Alexander). The steel legs symbolize the Roman Empire that will be the most powerful in the future: steel is a powerful material, able to cut all the other metals, as the Romans will defeat all other kingdoms. Then, Nâbuchodônosor saw a rock that fell out of the sky on the statue, destroying it entirely. This rock grew to a high mountain. This mountain signifies the kingdom of heaven that is able to overcome anything else (Rudolf says that this picture announced the coming of Christ).

RvEAlx-15591: Nâbuchodônosor then has Danîêl worshipped as a god. Furthermore he has a statue erected resembling the one he saw in his dream.

Motif References:

V 1 Objects of worship
F 855 Extraordinary image

RvEAlx-15605: Rudolf explains it symbolically: In ancient times the world was golden, people were good and just, but the characters got worse and the vices grew in the times of silver and bronze. Now, it is the time of steel: steel is hard and cold, the world is cold and untruthful. How will things be when the time of clay has come?

Motif References:

Z 100 Symbolism

RvEAlx-15629: This is the end of the fourth book.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-15639: Prologue to the fifth book: Xerses also ruled over Persia, but he was never as mighty as Alexander and did not subject as many countries. Alexander thus gained the title mônarchus. This means that he is the highest of all kings.

Motif References:

P 12.10 King is superior to all in strength, beauty, largeness etc

RvEAlx-15661: Succession of the kingdoms (mônarchîe): The first center was Babylon, ruled by Nemrôt, who was followed by Bêlus. His son Nînus from Assyria was his successor. Nînus was succeeded by 36 kings who ruled altogether for 1305 years. Then, Kaldêâ under Nâbuchodônosor separated from Assyria. Under and after his rule, the empire was at its height for 180 years, then split into Mêdîâ and Persia (as Dânîel prophesied it from the king’s dream). Cîrus was the next king, and under his rule and the rule of his followers, the third part of the world, Asia, was the head of the empire (mônarchîâ). This empire existed for 220 years, until it was conquered by Alexander. The kings succeeding Cîrus were: his son Cambîses, then two magicians who ruled together for two years, then Idaspis, son of Darius, who followed him as king. The next were Xerses, Artabânus, Artâxerxes, Longîmânus, Xerses, Sogdîânus, Darius qui et Nôtus, Aswêrus, Ochus (who subjected Egypt and was also called Artâxerxes). Arxes, his son, was followed by Darius, who was killed by Bessus. Then, Alexander took over the reign.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-15746: Rudolf mentions this genealogy to point out Alexander’s outstanding qualities: no king before him can be compared to him. This exceptionality justifies such a long story. Rudolf mentions the other poets who dealt with Alexander: Berhtolt of Herbolzheim, who wrote for a noble of the kin of Zähringen, but did not use everything that is to be found about Alexander in the historia. A poet who wrote in a very bad style and also did not tell the whole truth about Alexander was Lampreht, who translated the French source into German. Another one was Biterolf, who should tell the story of Alexander in verses as well done as his songs, but nevertheless keep close to the sources – he should only keep trying to advance as far as Rudolf. Rudolf himself wants to be at the beginning of the German tradition about Alexander: he referred to all the sources he could get hold of. If there is anyone who started the same undertaking, Rudolf will voluntarily stand back and leave the fame to him.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-15829: After having established his reign in Persia, Alexander turns to Partîâne. This is a small country that is the capitol of the countries beyond the river Euphrates. Partîâne stretches up to the Red Sea/Rôtes Mer. It is ruled by the Zîten. The rivers Boristenes and Tânâis cross this country, forming the borderline between Europe and Asia. The town Hecontâpîlos, which was once erected by the Greeks, surrenders to Alexander.

Motif References:

R 75 Surrendering

RvEAlx-15858: Alexander’s men would like to return home: He has achieved anything he wanted with their help. Alexander summons the wisest among his men and says that he will strive to reach his aim – conquering the world up to the world’s end. Those who want to support him should come with him, the others are free to do what they want. He points out that all their undertakings were successful. There are many peoples and countries who serve them. What was formerly under Darius’ rule now belongs to him. There is only Irkânje (ruled by Nâbarzânes) and Bactrâ, Sogdîân, the Massagêten and Dâchen, Sâgen and Indî (ruled by Bessus) that still have to be overcome.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-15941: Alexander is still enraged at Bessus, who attacked his own lord so perfidiously. He vows to avenge Darius.

Motif References:

M 150 Other vows and oaths

RvEAlx-15962: Alexander’s men vow to support him in all his ventures.

Motif References:

M 150 Other vows and oaths

RvEAlx-15969: Alexander leaves behind Crâterus and Amintas as governors. He provides them with 600 knights and 600 archers and heads for Ircânje. This country is surrounded by mountains and wilderness, and protected by the rivers Zîobêtis and Rîdanô. The king Nâbarzânes sends messengers with letters to justify his murder of Darius towards Alexander: He always was a good and trustworthy counselor, but when Darius chose strangers as advisers and accused him and the Persians of cowardice and falsehood, he could not stand this. He denies any complicity in Bessus’ deed. Alexander still regards him as guilty and assembles his troops.

Motif References:

P 193 (Bm) Guardian [regent]

RvEAlx-16032: The landscape they enter resembles the new moon: it is shaped like the crescent and reaches to Caspîâ, flanked by countries inhabited by the Cercête, Môsînî, Câlibes, Amâzones, Leukosîrî. The Câlibes, Môsînî and Leukosîrî surrender to Alexander.

Motif References:

R 75 Surrendering

RvEAlx-16053: When Alexander arrives in Caspîâ, the Jews who have been held captive there for many years ask to be set free to return home. As there are many who do not know why the Jews are captives there, Rudolf tells the story, referring to the Holy Scripture, to Jerônimus and Jôsephus: After God helped the Israelites to leave Egypt, they settled down in Israel and chose judges and high priests to teach them. When Samuêl was their High Priest, the Jewish people demanded to be given a king. He named Saul and thus taught them how to serve. Saul then was expelled by God for disobedience. Dâvît followed him as king, he defeated the heathens. Salomon was the next king; he erected the temple; later, he lost God’s favor, but God did not expel him: he took revenge on the people instead.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-16143: After Salomon’s death, his son Rôboam came to the rule. Jerôboam, who had fled to Egypt from Salomon, returned after the latter’s death with the 12 tribes of Abraham and asked Rôboam to ease the hard work that Salomon imposed on them. Rôboam retired for three days; asked his father’s former counselors for advice; they told him to win the petitioners’ favor rather than submit them by force. The young nobles opposed, as mildness signified weakness to them: The king should outdo his father in severity: where he had used whips, Rôboam must beat people with “scorpions” (a stick with leather cords with leaden knots). Rôboam followed the foolish advice of the young and refused mildness towards Jerôboam. So, that one refused any further service for Rôboam (or anyone of the line of Jessê), referring to the sons of Jâcob, who had all been equal.

Motif References:

P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court [King’s council]
J 480 Other choices

RvEAlx-16243: Jerôboam and his followers left Rôboam’s court. This was the origin of the separation of the 12 lines of Israel. 10 chose Jerôboam for king, settled down in Samarîâ and named themselves after their origin, Israel. Jûdas and Benjamin stayed in Jerusalem, supported by a part of the line of Lêvî, who are called the Lêvîten. In Jerusalem was their temple ever since the separation.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-16279: Rudolf names the kings that ruled during the 240 years, eight months and six days to come: In Judea, Abîâ, Rôboam’s son, succeeded his father to the throne. Then came Asâ, Jôsaphât, Jôram, Jôas, Amâsîas. Jôas and Amâsîas are not mentioned by Mathêus because of their bad deeds, as this is the line the Mother Mary descended from. He therefore names Osias as Jôrâm’s son, succeeded by Jôathan, Achas, Ezechîas, Manasses, Amôn, Jôsîas, Jechônîas. Nâbuchodônosor then defeated the Jews and held them captive in Babylon for 70 years.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-16343: In Samarîâ, Jerôboam is succeeded by Nâdap, Baasâ, Elâ, Zambrî, Ambrî, Achap, who fought and defeated Bênâdap of Assyria on the advice of the prophet Êlîas. But Bênâdap returned with such an enormous army that the Israelites were unable to defend themselves. The prophet Êlisêus told the Israelites that they would be freed if they believed in God. So, they took shelter in town. During the siege, a famine broke out. Food was sold at enormous prices. One day, a woman fell at the king’s feet, confessing that she and another woman had agreed to eat their children. After having roasted and eaten hers, the other woman refused to keep to her part of the deal and hid her child.

Motif References:

G 78.1 Cannibalism in time of famine
M 205 Breaking of bargains and promises
M 220 Other bargains
K 231.1.1 Mutual agreement to sacrifice family members in famine. Trickster refuses to carry out his part of the bargain
M 301.7 Biblical worthy as prophet
P 557.0.4 (Li) Siege
F 969.7 Famine

RvEAlx-16445: The king Achap sent a servant to kill the prophet whose prophecy had not come true. Meanwhile, the prophet told his followers that soon there would come a man with the intention to kill him. At the assassin’s arrival the prophet told the king not to despair: the following day, there would be enough flour, more than a camel could carry.

Motif References:

M 301.7 Biblical worthy as prophet
M 323 Prophecy: victory against great odds
D 1810.0.10 Magic knowledge (wisdom) of Solomon [biblical prophet]
D 1812.0.2.1 Foreknowledge of unwished guests [coming of certain person]

RvEAlx-16511: Some Jews who preferred a honorable death to starvation decided to fight the enemy. But when they came to the Assyrians’ camp, they found it deserted. The opponents seemed to have fled and left all their provisions behind. The man who doubted that the prophecy would come true is killed in the rush to the provisions. Never doubt that God’s intentions will be carried out.

Motif References:

M 391 Fulfillment of prophecy

RvEAlx-16577: As the Jews were so glad to be freed from their pains, they became insolent and forgot about God: They erected idols and behaved like spoiled children.

Motif References:

V 1.11 Worship of idols
W 187 Insolence [Self-conceit]

RvEAlx-16603: After Achap, Ochôzîas ruled, but only for a short time, as he also acted against God. He was succeeded by his brother Jôram. He followed Jerôboam’s example and was slain by God for misbehavior. Jêû was the next king. On his prophet’s advice, he had anyone of Jôram’s kin up to the fourth generation killed.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-16635: Jêû pretended to worship the god Baal to test the apostate Israelites, and had all those who declare themselves heathens burned. Then he destroyed the idols and temples and forced the people to return to the true faith.

Motif References:

S 112 Burning to death
Q 232.2 Punishment of jew for apostacy
V 356 Christian hero (saint) overthrows heathen idols
Q 414 Punishment: burning alive
K 750 Capture by decoy

RvEAlx-16657: Jôachas succeeded Jêû in Israel. He also neglected God’s order. The Israelites then chose Jôas for king. At the same time, Jerusalem was ruled by a king called Jôas as well. God made them fight each other as punishment for their misbehavior. Jôas of Judea then retreated to Jerusalem. He destroyed parts of the ring walls and left four big holes in it that were repaired much later.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-16691: Jerôboam succeeded Jôas in Samarîâ. Jerôboam was followed by Zacharîas, Sellum (who also disregarded God), Manahê, Phâceiâ, Phâceê.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-16714: At the time of Phâceê’s rule in Samarîâ, Achas was king in Judea; he was attacked by king Râsim of Sûrîe and another heathen king. In the fights, he lost his son, Zacharîas. Achas surrendered to Râsim against Phâceê.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-16738: As also Phâceê and the Israelites worshipped idols, God punished them: Phûl of Assûr attacked Israel and abducted the third part of the inhabitants as captives to Assyria/Assyria, where he settled them in a country called Caspîâ. After Phaceê’s death, Oseê came to the throne. Salmânasar of Assyria attacked him with support of the Egyptian king Persistas. They captured Oseê, his followers and many others and also settled them in Caspîâ. This country is crossed by the river Gôzâ. As the country [Israel] is devastated, the Assyrians settle other peoples there to cultivate it. These people are the origin of the Samaritans.

Motif References:

V 201 God
Q 232.2 Punishment of Jew for apostacy
P 720 Population

RvEAlx-16837: The Israelites in Caspîâ have been tributary to the Persians until Alexander’s military campaign. When they learn about his generosity toward the Jews in Jerusalem, they ask him to permit them to return to their homelands. Alexander enquires about the reasons for their captivity. He learns that it was the punishment for their worship of the god Baal.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-16867: Alexander therefore decides that the defile that is the only way into the country should be walled up, an undertaking that soon turns out to be impossible. Alexander is ashamed, gets on his knees and prays to God for help. God makes the two mountains move closer together. The wall can now be erected, the hole is closed with the indestructible cement Absichitôn (it resists fire, steel, iron, water, any human force). Thus, the apostate Israelites in Caspîâ are well enclosed until Doomsday. Jôsephus points out God’s power: he helped a heathen to move mountains – what would he do for a man who lived to his rule?

Motif References:

R 49 Other places of captivity
V 50 Prayer
V 201 God
Q 232.2 Punishment of Jew for apostacy
N 817.0.1 God as helper
F 899 Other extraordinary objects
F 1006 Extraordinary activity of mountains
D 1656 Incombustible objects

RvEAlx-16944: Rudolf mentions that he has read in another source that the country Caspîâ is enclosed by a wide “sea without water”, an ever moving plain of stones and sand that is impossible to cross.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-16965: Metôdîus, a Christian bishop, judge in Patres, who died as a martyr, searched the scriptures for a story that has not been passed on in Latin, only in Greek or Hebrew and found one about Alexander omitted by Jerônimus.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-16997: God made heaven and earth, expelled Adâm for following the advice of his wife, Êvâ, who gave birth to Câin and Calmanan thirty years after, then to Abel and Dêbora. 130 years later, Câin slayed his brother Abel. Êvâ then was pregnant with Sêt, who had many descendants. After Adam’s death 930 years later, Câin committed sins, and Sêt retreated to the top of a mountain. This was the first separation among the kin. The first town ever was Efrêm, erected by Câin in the place where he had killed Abel. Jarêt was born of the line of Sêt. Of Câin’s line descended Lâmech, Jôval and the ruseful Tôbal. Lâmech killed Câin. Sin spread. The treatment of gold, silver and iron was invented at this time, as well as music. 700 years after the death of Jarêt, sin increased even more.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-17061: Nôê made an ark to escape from the Deluge together with his wife, his three sons and a couple of any race of animal that existed on earth. Afterwards, Nôê made sacrifices to God. During the 1,000 years to come, his sons cultivated the earth. Such a period is called millenârîus. Nôe’s son Jônitus was born. Nôê died in his 950th year. Jônitus went to his country Êôtha in the East, where he invented astronomy. Sêm stayed in Asia, Câm lived in Mêridîe, Japhêt went to Aquilône.

Motif References:

A 1021 Deluge: escape in boat (ark)

RvEAlx-17117: Jônitus defeated Nemrôt, under whose reign the 72 languages were established in Babylon. Pontibus was born from Câm’s line. The country Pontus is named after him. Jônitus built the town Jônitâ in Êôtha.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-17131: When Pontibus and Nemrôt found a mutual agreement, Nemrôt cancelled it on Jônitus’s request. At the beginning of the fourth millennium, war broke out between Nemrôt and Pontibus. Nemrôt was victorious.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-17155: Nemrôt’s later descendants Cûsiresdes, then Eresdes, followed to the throne. Eresdes invaded Câm’s country and took the kings Jôbusêus, Amôrêus, Palestînus, and Afrus captive. He devastated their countries. His son Cusdrô succeeded him and was attacked by Câm’s sons as avenge for Eresdes’ deed, but they were defeated.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-17189: Samsab of Êôtha occupied Indîa, then Arabje and Sâbaâ, where the Ismahêlen withstood him and drove him back. The Ismahêlen are the descendants of Ismahêl, the son of Jâcob and his maidservant Agar. Jâcob was Isaâk’s son, Isaâk was Sârâ’s son. Gog, Mâgog, Asenaz descended of Ismahêl and grew to an enormous family. They settled down in Sâbaâ, where they lived until Samsab’s attack.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-17245: The Ismahêlen lived like animals, the never prepared their food but ate anything, birds and snakes.

Motif References:

F 561 People of unusual diet
F 851 Extraordinary food

RvEAlx-17258: After having conquered many countries, the Ismahêlen elected four kings, Ôreb, Zeb, Zebeê, Salmanâ. They attacked the Israelites, who were led by Gêdêôn. He killed 140,000 of them, and had the kings hanged. Some of them managed to escape and to return to their homeland, where they propagated themselves until Alexander’s arrival in Asia.

Motif References:

F 628.2 Strong man kills men

RvEAlx-17296: As Alexander fears that the Ismaelites could spread their impurity, he defeats and captures them and abducts them to a place surrounded by the mountains Ubera Aquilônis and Pômintôrjum Bôrêum. The defile is closed by a wall, as he did to the Jews in Caspîâ.

Motif References:

R 49 Other places of captivity
P 720 Population

RvEAlx-17320: The martyr, St Metôdîus, reports how the Ismaelites will escape, as God made the events at Doomsday known to him during his captivity: The Ismahêlen will subject many countries: they are God’s punishment for apostasy and sin. They will conquer Persia and slay or capture all inhabitants. The same will happen to Capadôcîâ and Cilîzje, Greece and Africa; the people of Sûrîe will escape. Egypt will be made tributary, Sizîlje will be unaffected, Spain will be invaded, as well as Germany and France. The Romans will be chased away to faraway islands. Thus, Ismahêl’s descendants subject all countries in the four directions of the earth. They will also occupy Jerusalem and plunder churches, kill the priests and throw their corpses into the streets, as it was already announced by Dâvît and in the psalterium. God called Ismahêl a wild onager that destroys everything with its army. They slay pregnant women or rape them. They leave their cattle to graze in sacred places. These are God’s trials to find out those who really believe in Him. Then, He helps them out of their distress: He sends them the Roman king who defeats and slays or captures the Ismahêlen at Golgatâ. This Roman king then sacrifices his rule to God. This is the end of the Roman empire, and the empire of clay begins. God’s prophet Jerêmîas says that after Ismahêl’s end, no wood is burned in Jerusalem for seven years, as the shields, carriages and lances left by the Ismahêlen are enough. After the end of the Ismahêlen, the Antichrist of the line of Ismahêl, Dân, will come and he will be fought by Êlîas and Ênoch. Rudolf will not speak further about the Last Judgment.

Motif References:

F 510.1 Monstrous races
A 1002 Doomsday. Catastrophes precede the Day of Judgment.
D 1810.9 Magic knowledge from God
D 1810.0.3 Magic knowledge of saints and holy men

RvEAlx-17577: After Alexander has imprisoned these peoples, he leaves. He crosses a very fertile forest; he and his warriors find apples, nuts, grapes, fish and honey. Frâtafernes submits to Alexander. Alexander and his army move to the castle Arvas. Erîgûus and Crâterus come with Frâdâtes whom they have advised to surrender to Alexander. Alexander enfeoffs Mânâpin with Irkânje.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-17607: Alexander then leaves to meet the 95-year-old Artâbâzus (once Darius’ confident), who comes to Arvas with nine of his sons (one of his sons was Ilîôn who was captured in the first battle) and a troop of Greeks. He wants to entrust his sons to Alexander out of gratitude: Alexander’s father Philipp once gave him refuge at his court when he had to flee from Ochus. The Greeks whom Artâbâzus brought with him tell him that they were sent to Darius by the Lâzedêmonîære. When the Persian king died, they entered the service of Artâbâzus. They report that Dêmôkritus killed himself when he learned about Darius’ increasing power. Alexander sends the Greeks back except for 600. He proceeds to Ircânje.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-17698: Meanwhile, the Marden break their agreement of peace, but are pacified by Alexander’s messengers.

Motif References:

P 50.0.2 (Bm) Knight who acknowledges no overlord [Allegiance: loyalty and disloyalty]

RvEAlx-17707: The people in Ircânje offer resistance. They fell the trees to block the way for Alexander and his army, but this does not hinder the advance of his army. The opponents surrender and give hostages.

Motif References:

R 75 Surrendering

RvEAlx-17733: Nâbarzânes, Darius’ murderer, flees from Alexander to Bessus of Bactrâ. Meanwhile, Alexander has a feast in Ircânje. Artâbâzus takes leave. Alexander gives him gifts and enfeoffs his sons.

Motif References:

R 220 Flights

RvEAlx-17747: The country adjoining Ircânje is Abîgîê, crossed by the river Termôdontâ. It is inhabited by warlike women, who are nevertheless very beautiful. They have every female virtue except when they put on armor and fight. These women are called Amâzones and are already known from the Trojan war, where they participated against the Greeks: Kamille fought before Laurente, where Ênêas was defeated. Tâlistrîâ is the queen of the Amazons; she is mild and wise when acting as a woman, but warlike and strong when acting as a man. Her kingdom stretches from the Caucasus to the river Phâsin.

Motif References:

P 63 (Bm) Lady in armor (and battle)
F 112 Journey to land of women
F 565.1 Amazons. Women warriors
F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman
F 610.0.1 Remarkably strong woman
F 707 Extraordinary kingdom

RvEAlx-17802: Tâlistrîâ is curious to meet Alexander. She sends messengers to invite him, and as his answer is positive, she comes to meet him with 300 of her ladies. They are escorted to Alexander’s lodgings. Female pages and servants take care of the Amazons. The ladies and Alexander’s knights talk about knighthood, but also about love.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-17877: Alexander makes enquiries about Tâlistrîâ and her country. He learns that there are no men in Abigîê, but the ladies are perfectly able to defend their country. As he wonders how it is possible that her tribe can survive without any men, Tâlistrîâ informs him about the origin of the Amazons: In ancient times, Plînis and Skôlôpêtus were expelled from Cîtîâ. They tried to subject the countries they traversed but were always defeated and lost many men. So, they came into the country Abigîê and settled down; they were defeated in any military campaign they started. As there were no able-bodied men left, the women took to the weapons, killed all their men by night and conquered the countries that still are in Tâlistrîâ’s power. They cultivated and fortified Abigîê that is surrounded by extremely high mountains on one, the wild sea on the other side, and accessible only by one road.

Motif References:

P 63 (Bm) Lady in armor (and battle)
F 565.1 Amazons. Women warriors
F 610.0.1 Remarkably strong woman

RvEAlx-18031: If one of the women falls in love with a man, he has to treat her with respect and be faithful to her, as she will be towards him; he must not force his will upon her. They are equal in strength and therefore live as equals. Only women are entitled to heritage. The men live in a country across the sea. Once a year, the Amazons travel there for a great feast in honor of Jupiter that lasts for 30 days. During this time, every Amazon chooses a man, and after this period, they return to their home country. If an Amazon wants to stay with the man, she is allowed to do so, but only for one year. She also has to return in case she is needed in warfare. Male infants are only kept in the Amazon country for seven years, then they are given to their fathers. Daughters are much loved. Their right breast is burned away, to enable them to handle sword and spear more comfortably. The Amazons were never defeated.

Motif References:

F 565.1.1 Amazons cut off left breast of daughters so that they can handle bow [Amazons have only one breast]
F 565.1.2.2 (Bm) Male children sent to live with fathers, girls with mothers
F 565.1.2 All male children killed by Amazons [or given to father]
F 566.2 Land where women live separate from men
P 634 Feasts

RvEAlx-18139: As the Amazons are both lady and knight, their garments reflect this: on the right-hand-side they are made like men’s clothes and reaching to the knees, on the left-hand-side they are female dresses.

Motif References:

F 821 Extraordinary dress (clothes, robe, etc.)

RvEAlx-18151: The Amazon army is enormous. Nearby, there is an island inhabited by 100,000 warlike and invincible maids.

Motif References:

F 707 Extraordinary kingdom

RvEAlx-18179: Alexander is astonished at this report. He asks Tâlistrîâ to receive her countries as fiefs from him. She refuses: the Amazons would rather die than submit; she adds that in case he fought them it would be shameful for him, either in case they, the Amazons, were killed (as killing a lady is dishonorable), or in case they defeated him. He had better treat them with respect, and then they will grant him what he asks for. When Alexander agrees to this, Tâlistrîâ tells him that she would give her countries into his hands if he is willing to become her husband; Until now she has not found anyone who would be a match for her, and she is still a virgin. If she gave birth to a daughter, she would be the best queen ever. She asks him to forgive her forthputting behavior. Alexander says that his heart belongs to another woman, and he should stay faithful to her. But he asks her to come to Partîâne in a fortnight, where he will grant her requests. The Amazon queen and her ladies take leave, Alexander goes to Partîâne.

Motif References:

T 55 Girl as wooer. Forthputting woman
J 1675 Clever arguing with a king

RvEAlx-18349: Tâlistrîâ comes to Partîâne with many of her ladies. She brings presents for Alexander. The Amazon queen and the Macedonian king soon reach an agreement and spend the night together. The morning after, Alexander, dressed in Persian garments and with his crown on his head, receives messengers from all countries. He announces that the letters he will send to Asia will be sealed with the Persian, the letters to the European countries with his own seal. 14 days later, Tâlistrîâ and her ladies take leave. They are both very sad. Rudolf knows from another source that Tâlistrîâ gave birth to a daughter later.

Motif References:

T 99 Love – additional motifs
F 565.1 Amazons. Women warriors

RvEAlx-18473: Alexander attacks Bessus of Bactrâ, but his old warriors would prefer to return to their home countries, as they believe that they should be satisfied by now. The protest of the young warriors reaches Alexander’s ears. He pacifies them with goods and riches.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-18532: Alexander learns from Sâtibarzânes that Bessus has declared himself king; he has put on kingly garments and conquered Zîtîâ and other kingdoms at the river Tânâis. Sâtibarzânes himself submits to Alexander and receives his lands as fiefs from him.

Motif References:

P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]

RvEAlx-18551: Alexander and his army move to Bactrâ. Their pack animals are burdened with booty, so that they proceed very slowly. It seems that the warriors serve the possessions, not the other way round (the possessions ride, the men walk). So, Alexander gives orders to burn anything except for provisions and armor and sends gold and silver as pay to his countries. It is now easier for the warriors to defend themselves in case they are attacked. Alexander comforts them with the promise to reward them richly.

Motif References:

P 555.0.1 (Si) Booty. The spoils of war.
J 755 All aspects of a plan must be foreseen

RvEAlx-18616: Nîcanor, the son of Parmênîôn, dies. Alexander leaves 3,500 men with Philôtas, Nîcanor’s brother, and tells him to bury his brother. Alexander receives letters; he learns that Bessus has summoned an army.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-18639: Sâtibarzânes has deserted to Bessus. Alexander turns to attack him, but Sâtibarzânes flees to Bactrâ with 2,000 of his men; those he has left behind block Alexander’s way, but Alexander drives them back and besieges the town Artânâ. He leaves behind Crâterus and 13,000 men and pursues Bessus, but in vain. He again assaults the warriors in the mountains, who have entrenched themselves in the woods. Suddenly, a strong wind rises. Alexander sets the forest afire, and the enemies either emerge or perish. Crâterus comes to meet Alexander; he has made many captives in the mountains. They surrender to Alexander.

Motif References:

P 50.0.2 (Bm) Knight who acknowledges no overlord
P 193 (Bm) Guardian [regent]
K 2364.1 Enemies defeated by setting forest afire

RvEAlx-18716: Reinforcement troops from Greece arrive: Zôlus comes with 500 knights, Antipater sends 1,000 from Illîrje, 130 come from Tessâlje, Philippe brings 3,500 from Lîdîâ; also 300 Drangen come. They were formerly ruled by Barzentes, who participated at the murder of Darius and fled from Alexander. Alexander arranges a feast that lasts for eight days. Philôtas, who has buried his brother, returns.

Motif References:

P 557.0.3 (Li) Military aid (alliance)

RvEAlx-18765: It is not possible that a ruler pleases everybody. But it is not right that a retainer therefore hates his king, as it happened at Alexander’s court. There are many enviers who begrudge Alexander his fame and success and want to get at his possessions. This is how it happened:

Motif References:

RvEAlx-18811: Dimnus, one of Alexander’s lords, has always been loyal to him, but Alexander treats him with despise and mistrust. Dimnus is very sad about this. He asks Nicômachus, his confidant, for a conversation in the temple, where he asks him to support the plan he is going to reveal to him and keep it a secret; he even requires an oath of his friend. Nicômachus swears. Dimnus tells him that he and eight other lords who were treated badly by Alexander have the intention to avenge themselves in three days’ time. On Nicômachus’ enquiries, Dimnus discloses the names of his fellow-conspirators: Dêmêtrîus, Pêkulâus, Nîkanor, Apôbêtus, Idîoxenus, Jôzêus, Arzêpolis, Amintas. Alexander betrayed them, as he risked their lives and then even burned their reward (the booty). Nicômachus refuses to commit murder, though he has given the rash boon. Dimnus draws his sword, but his friend refuses to fight him, as he is no equal for an honorable man. They separate in anger.

Motif References:

P 12 Character of kings
M 223 Blind promise (rash boon)
P 318 Man refuses to follow his friend in wicked conduct
K 2247 Treacherous lord [vassal]
K 2370 Miscellaneous deceptions

RvEAlx-18954: Eager Nicômachus immediately informs his brother, Zêbalîn, about the conspiracy and his oath. Zêbalîn hurries to the king’s rooms. He meets Philôtas and asks him to warn Alexander against the conspiracy. Although Philôtas agrees, he does not carry out his mission, as he fears to trouble the king. The day after, Zêbalîn tells Mêtrôn, Alexander’s chamberlain, then the king himself about the danger he is in. Alexander summons his marshal Attarras and gives him orders to capture the traitor.

Motif References:

J 815 Unpleasant truths must be withheld from the great

RvEAlx-19033: Alexander is very grateful and promises rewards to Zêbalîn and Nicômachus. He is astonished to hear that Philôtas learned about the conspiracy the same time as Zêbalîn.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-19056: Attarras takes Dimnus captive (who at first attempts to kill himself) and brings him before Alexander. Alexander believes that Dimnus wanted to slay him in Philôtas’ favor and bring him to the throne. Dimnus has no opportunity to defend himself. His head is cut off. Then, Philôtas is summoned and accused of treachery. He justifies himself: He did not believe the matter to be really true and of importance, he did not have any treacherous intentions. He begs Alexander to believe him. Alexander forgives him. Philôtas leaves.

Motif References:

P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]
Q 236 Punishment for deceiving (divine) emperor
Q 261 Treachery punished
Q 421 Punishment: beheading
P 510 Law courts

RvEAlx-19151: Then, Crâterus, who is jealous of Philôtas’ familiarity with the king, and Nicômachus are called as witnesses. Crâterus says that he would not have Philôtas leave and accuses him of treason: Parmênîôn, Philôtas’ father, is very keen on taking over the rule from Alexander after his death. It is sure that after the king has extended his reign, he will have to wage war against Parmênîôn and his kin. The other counselors believe these accusations. They swear to capture Philôtas and make him confess his and the others’ falsehood. Alexander orders them to keep this decision as a secret.

Motif References:

P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court [King’s council]
M 150 Other vows and oaths

RvEAlx-19224: Leônât, Perdikkas, Ephes-tîôn, Crâterus, Cênôs, and Erîgûus are summoned by Alexander. All the roads are guarded in order to prevent that Parmênîôn learns about the accusations uttered against his son. Attarras and 300 pages enter Philôtas’ house and take him captive during his sleep. They bring him before Alexander to decide his fate.

Motif References:

R 9 Captivity – miscellaneous

RvEAlx-19261: The next day, Alexander gives his men orders to prepare for battle. He keeps Philôtas hidden, first, to save him from the mob (many a man has been killed on the request of the mob), and to prevent any criticism concerning the capturing of nobles. Dimnus’ corpse is brought into the great hall, as the king wants to demonstrate the murderous attack planned against him and shows gratitude towards those who saved his life. Alexander’s men are moved and cry. Alexander regrets that he has to accuse some of his most faithful lords of treachery, Parmênîôn and his son Philôtas. They were responsible of the plan: Philôtas was the one who recommended Dêmêtrîus, Pêkulâus and Dimnus to him, and he accepted those traitors, except for Dimnus. The chamberlain, Mêtrôn, Nicômachus and Zêbalîn act as witnesses. Alexander says that they are innocent, but not Philôtas and his father, who both want to take over the reign after him. He reads a letter from Parmênîôn to his sons aloud, in which he advises them to have an eye on their own interests. Philôtas committed other acts of disloyalty towards Alexander: he stayed with Amintas when he was in disgrace with Alexander; he gave Attalus, who opposed against him, his, Philôtas’, sister in marriage without the king’s consent and accused the king of overweening behavior by saying that Alexander wanted to be a god, not a human anymore. Alexander always forgave him, but now it is too much; he needs men he can trust. He asks his counselors to judge Philôtas.

Motif References:

P 50.0.2 (Bm) Knight who acknowledges no overlord [Allegiance: loyalty and disloyalty of vassals]
P 510 Law courts
J 640 Avoidance of others’ power
K 2247 Treacherous lord [vassal]

RvEAlx-19506: Philôtas is brought in fetters. People watching the scene comment on what has become of this mighty nobleman. Disloyalty must be punished. Also the noble counselors agree. Zênôs, who is married to Philôtas’ sister, picks up a stone to throw it at Philôtas, but Alexander holds him back, as Philôtas has to be found guilty first. He asks Philôtas if he is ready to be judged according to the Macedonian law. Philôtas agrees – he also accepts the law of those people who are not Macedonians.

Motif References:

R 51.2 Prisoners confined in chains

RvEAlx-19581: Alexander addresses the people: they shall find Philôtas guilty or not guilty of the planned murder. Philôtas now has the opportunity to speak up and declare himself. The king also orders to bring the fellow conspirators. They are laid in chains. Philôtas implores them to find a just sentence, as a wrong judgment would weigh upon their conscience. He says that in the first trial, Alexander had found him innocent. Now, because of the jealousy of some people, he is again accused. He argues against this: first, he would have had many opportunities to kill his king; second, he would never have profited of a collaboration with Dimnus, who is inferior to him. He also defends himself against the accusations concerning his support of Amintas – he only wanted him to win back the king’s favor – and Attalus, who has fallen in disgrace without guilt. His, Philôtas’, sister he gave to him was formerly Alexander’s wife. He then refers to his father’s letter that Alexander read aloud: If he cares for his own interests, but does not interfere with Alexander’s, how can he be blamed? The next point he tries to refute is his recommendation of Dimnus and Dêmêtrius: he never knew about their plans and therefore he is not guilty. Finally, he points out that his brothers Ector and Nîcanor died in Alexander’s service. Above all, it is contradictory to accuse him on the one hand of wanting to take over the reign and on the other of despising the laws of this country. He submits to the judgment.

Motif References:

J 1169 Clever pleading – miscellaneous

RvEAlx-19795: One of the nobles stands up and argues that a lord must not be discredited out of jealousy. Philôtas is taken away; his possessions are taken into the court’s responsibilities. Alexander summons Bôlône, who is kept at court until Philôtas is found guilty or innocent.

Motif References:

P 524 Legal security

RvEAlx-19821: Philôtas is laid in stronger chains and treated even worse than before. Alexander asks his counselors for advice: if he liberates Philôtas, he and his father will certainly take revenge, but if he has him killed, he will infuriate his men. But his counselors are of the opinion that Philôtas deserves death. Ephestîôn argues against this: Philôtas should get the opportunity to prove himself innocent. He advises Alexander to send some of his men to him and threaten him with death. If he is guilty, Philôtas will confess and name his fellow-conspirators out of fear. But in case he is innocent, no ruse will make him admit his guilt. Alexander agrees to this plan that is carried out by Zênôs and Ephestîôn himself. Philôtas again protests his innocence, even when they torture him with fire and blows. When his retainers learn that Philôtas is tortured, they fear for their own lives and flee, but return when Alexander grants surety for those who never tried to attack him. The following morning Ephestîôn and Zênôs inform Alexander that the only thing they learned from Philôtas was, that Hegelôch advised his father to kill Alexander at the time Darius was still alive. This was prevented by the deaths of both of them.

Motif References:

P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court [King’s council]
R 51.2 Prisoners confined in chains
R 51.3 Prisoners mutilated
S 180.1 (Bm) Confession obtained by torture
R 220 Flights

RvEAlx-20019: Alexander then has Dêmêtrîus and all the others, whom Dimnus named as conspirators stoned, except for Amintas. Also Philôtas’ innocence is accepted. Sîmam, Amintas, Polemôn (who were recaptured on flight) are kept captive. Olimpias, Alexander’s mother, sends her son a letter in which she warns him against these nobles. Alexander has this letter read aloud. Amintas tries to defend himself and refers to his honesty and loyalty towards Alexander. Then, Amintas’ brother, Polemôn, is brought. Amintas reproaches him with his stupidity to flee. Polemôn says that he had the impression that Alexander wanted all their kin to be erased. As so many people fled, he simply joined them. He asks for forgiveness.

Motif References:

S 119 (Bm) Death by stoning
Q 236 Punishment for deceiving (divine) emperor
Q 261 Treachery punished
Q 422 Punishment: stoning to death
J 1169 Clever pleading – miscellaneous

RvEAlx-20233: Alexander’s men fall on their knees and beg him to release the captives, as their guilt cannot be proved. Alexander agrees to consider them innocent without judgment and oath. Sîmam, Amintas, Polemôn and Philôtas are released. Alexander shows grace and favor toward them.

Motif References:

R 9.10 (Bm) Release from captivity
P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]
M 50 Other judgments and decrees

RvEAlx-20270: Alexander gives Polîdâmant orders to go to Mêdîâ and to bring his letter to Clêander with orders to kill Parmênîôn, whom he believes to be the originator of the plot. He requires Polîdâmant’s two brothers as hostages to guarantee that he really fulfills his errand. He gives him two heroes as company, whose wives and children he will also keep as hostages. On the eleventh day after their departure, the messengers arrive in Mêdîâ, where the lords are at enmity with each other: Parmênîôn and Clêander, Sitacles and Agatôn. Parmênîôn has the strongest army among them and therefore is never attacked openly.

Motif References:

P 14.15.2 Court messenger
P 19 Other motifs connected with kings
P 533.1 Hostages
H 1162 Task: killing certain man
K 2247 Treacherous lord [vassal]

RvEAlx-20343: When the nobles read the letter that gives order to kill Parmênîôn, they decide to get hold of him during his exercise he takes every day in the woods. The next morning, they attack him out of ambush. Clêander pierces him with his spear, then slays him with his sword. Parmênîôn’s companions flee back to their army. With reinforcements, they return into the forest. Clêander shows them Alexander’s letter, justifying his deed.

Motif References:

Q 236 Punishment for deceiving (divine) emperor
Q 261 Treachery punished
Q 411.4 Death as punishment for treachery
K 914 Murder from ambush

RvEAlx-20433: Parmênîôn’s men accept this and get the corpse of their lord. On Clêander’s order, they cut off his head and bury the trunk. The head is sent to Alexander.

Motif References:

H 105.9 (Bm) Foe’s head as proof of slaying
Q 491 Indignity to corpse as punishment

RvEAlx-20459: Parmênîôn was in former times a very high-minded and loyal vassal. Alexander never made a decision without asking him for advice. But then he became ambitious and tried to emulate his king to become his equal, which was impossible. In his 70th year, he became even more immoderate, but this did not suit him well: never try to change your nature and become the equal of someone above you.

Motif References:

L 420 Overweening ambition punished
J 955 Lowly tries in vain to be greater than he is

RvEAlx-20524: Alexander appoints Lêônidas as leader of Parmênîôn’s army. He sends letters with orders to separate Parmênîôn’s troop from the others. He has Clêander and his men divided from the others to prevent bad feelings and jealousy. So, Lêônidas and Clêander stay as leaders.

Motif References:

J 640 Avoidance of others’ power

RvEAlx-20545: Alexander has always been a person favored by luck. This is the end of the fifth book.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-20573: Prologue to the sixth book about the importance of luck. Luck and honor are evasive. Gotfrit sang about the “fortune of glass” that breaks easily just the moment when it seems to be stable. Master Vrîdanc said that man must strive for luck. Rudolf wants his auditory to wish him luck. Those who do not appreciate his work should at least bear the others to hear it, as there are many different tastes: one wants to hear of Dietrich of Bern, the other about the king Arthur, the next about love, another one about religious topics, another one about villains. His work is dedicated to those who want to hear about Alexander, as it is impossible to please everyone.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-20689: After Parmênîôn’s death, Alexander subjects the countries. He learns that Sâtibarzânes (who recently surrendered to him and then deserted to Bessus) assaults his princes Erîgûus, Artâbâzus, Carânus and Andrônîcus. Alexander sends 600 knights and 6,000 foot soldiers to their help. After 60 days he succeeds in subjecting the Evergêten and installs Amênîdas, the scribe of Darius’ father-in-law, as duke. Then he proceeds to Arâcôsien, where the 6,000 Greeks and 200 of Parmênîôn’s former men, led by Lêônidas, receive him. He leaves Mênôn as governor there, together with 4,000 foot soldiers and 6,000 knights.

Motif References:

P 193 (Bm) Guardian [regent]
P 550.1.1 (Li) Aggression: rebellion; usurpation; invasion; assault

RvEAlx-20744: The next country Alexander tries to conquer is the country of a wild people, the Pârâmedes. In the north, the country is so cold that it is infertile. In the west, it borders on Bactrâ, on the other sides on India. In the north, there are no houses, as there is too much snow: the inhabitants live in holes and caves. They are used to the cold, but the heat is unbearable to them. Alexander’s men suffer from the cold and are only barely saved from freezing to death. They arrive in a country with a slightly warmer climate and find the people in their caves. Many of those die or fall unconscious from shock when seeing the strange army. When they realize that Alexander’s intentions are not warlike, they bring him presents and provisions and surrender to him.

Motif References:

R 75 Surrendering
F 562.6 (Bm) People who live in caves
F 709 Other extraordinary countries
F 1041.17.2 (Bm) Swoon from fear
F 1041.1.11 Death from fear

RvEAlx-20811: Alexander then travels to the Caucasus. These mountains separate Asia from Africa. The country Caspîâ borders on the Caucasus, the foothills of which stretch to Zilîzje. Araxes and Cîtîâ are demarcated by these mountains. Taurimunt is the borderline between Capadôzje and Armênje. Any river flowing through Asia has its origin there and falls in the Red Sea, the sea of Pont, of Caspîâ, of Ircânje.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-20839: For 17 days, Alexander and his army cross the mountains of Caucasus. The people living there surrender to Alexander without any resistance. On the 18th day, they come to a cultivated piece of land. They erect a fortification on a rock; this castle is named the “mountain of Alexander” (berg Alexandrîe). Bactrâ borders on this region.

Motif References:

R 75 Surrendering
Z 702 (Hi) Eponymous account of place name

RvEAlx-20867: When Bessus learns about Alexander’s approach, he becomes afraid and makes sacrifices to ensure his gods’ support. During the meal with his friends and kin (whose strength is rather founded on drinking than on their knightly virtues), he boasts of the military aid that will arrive for him (the Sâgen, Dâchen, Corasmî, the Indians, the Zîten – who are taller than any Greeks). He will go to Sogdîân, a country that is well protected by the river Oxus and mountains, and receive his troops there. His men agree to this and drink even more wine, mulberry-wine (môraz), spiced wine (lutertranc), sweet juices (siropel), and mead. The alcohol goes to their heads and makes them believe they are invincible.

Motif References:

V 11.9 Sacrifice to deity
F 533 Remarkably tall man

RvEAlx-20921: Cobares of Medîâ warns them against their insolence, and compares braggarts to small bodies of water that roar loudly, whereas the big bodies of water are tranquil. He advises Bessus to submit to Alexander, as there is no possibility to resist him. Bessus is infuriated and wants to kill Cobares, who manages to escape.

Motif References:

J 652 Inattention to warnings

RvEAlx-20974: Cobares flees to Alexander and guarantees his support. Alexander accepts him as vassal end enfeoffs him.

Motif References:

P 50.0.2 (Bm) Knight who acknowledges no overlord [Allegiance: loyalty and disloyalty of vassals]

RvEAlx-20983: The 8,000 warriors who were supposed to block Alexander’s way flee at his approach. Bessus goes to Sogdîân. He has all the ships he used for his journey burned, all bridges and footbridges destroyed and the paths blocked.

Motif References:

R 220 Flights
J 670 Forethought in defences against others
K 2369 Military strategy – miscellaneous

RvEAlx-21017: Alexander leaves his fortification Alexandrîe well secured and follows Bessus with 7,000 warriors. The inhabitants of Bactrâ flee from him and hide all their provisions in the ground. Alexander’s men have to feed on sesame-oil and finally have to resort to slaughtering their pack animals.

Motif References:

J 670 Forethought in defences against others
F 969.7 Famine
K 2369 Military strategy – miscellaneous

RvEAlx-21055: Description of the country of Bactrâ: one part of it is fertile, in another the climate is too hot for living, in a third part (at the Pont) the wind and storms cover everything with sand; travelers have to orient themselves by the stars. The capital town is Pârâpanîs, the river Oboctrus crosses the country.

Motif References:

RvEAlx-21085: Alexander learns that both Pêloponêsus and Lacônje have turned against him; the Zîten are about to cross the Tânâis in order to come to Bessus’ help; Artâbâzus, Erîgûus, Carânus and Andrônîcus are attacked by Sâtibarzânes, who is supported by the Ariî. Battle between Alexander’s and Sâtibarzânes’ armies.

Motif References:

P 50.0.2 (Bm) Knight who acknowledges no overlord [Allegiance: loyalty and disloyalty of vassals]
P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War
K 2299 Other villains and traitors – miscellaneous

RvEAlx-21130: One day, when both armies are lined up for battle, Sâtibarzânes signals his army to halt. He removes his helmet and marches towards the Greek army, granting peace. He offers to fight against one of Alexander’s four heroes. He will fight without his helmet. Erîgûus accepts the challenge. He will also fight with his head bare. They agree to the conditions: The property of the defeated will belong to the victor, they will fight with knightly weapons.

Motif References:

P 556.0.1 (Bm) Challenge to single combat [feud]

RvEAlx-21215: Furious single combat between Sâtibarzânes and Erîgûus. Both get wounded, their lances break; they fight on with swords. Erîgûus is victorious: he kills his opponent and requires the submission of Sâtibarzânes’ army. They guarantee him that anything that belonged to Sâtibarzânes is now in Erîgûus’ hands. Sâtibarzânes is buried. Alexander enfeoffs Erîgûus with Sâtibarzânes’ countries and Artâbâzus with Bactrâ. Spartân is subjected to both of them.

Motif References:

P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]
R 75 Surrendering
M 150 Other vows and oaths
P 550.2 (Li) Single combat
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]

RvEAlx-21303: Alexander and his men come to Sûsitânje. They come in great distress from heat, hunger and thirst. Only by night they get a little refreshment from the dew. They drink putrid water, oil and wine. Alexander sends his marshal to find habitation for them. He comes to the banks of the river Oxus, which flows into Sogdîân. Two of the men that went with him fill two barrels with water and return to the army to give the water to their sick sons. They offer also a cup to Alexander, who refuses to take it; so the two men are able to save their sons.

Motif References:

P 12 Character of kings

RvEAlx-21413: Alexander and his army move on to the place where the marshal, Attarras, has habitations and food arranged. In the camp, Alexander does not rest, but sends water and food to the men who stayed behind because of weakness. He eats and drinks only after having cared for his army. They all rest.

Motif References:

P 12 Character of kings

RvEAlx-21468: The next day, a part of the army embarks on the river Oxus, where they find many hidden ships. Alexander is very glad, as they can transport many men. They embark. Finally, Sûsîân surrenders to them.

Motif References:

N 699 Other lucky accidents

RvEAlx-21487: When Bessus learns about the events (Alexander’s approach, Sâtibarzânes’ death), he panics. He is a disloyal man. End of Rudolf’s unfinished work.

Motif References:

Romances of Antiquity

Rudolf von Ems, Alexander (1235/1254) Junk, V. (ed.): Rudolf von Ems, Alexander. (=StLV 272-274) Leipzig 1928, Reprint Darmstadt 1970.

Rudolf von Ems, Alexander (1235/1254)
Junk, V. (ed.): Rudolf von Ems, Alexander. (=StLV 272-274) Leipzig 1928, Reprint Darmstadt 1970.