SeAlx-1: Prologue. God may grant the author the ability to tell the story of Alexander, as it was written in the book Kronica by the wise man and saint Ewsebius. This story, how Alexander conquered the whole world and his later fate, should not be mistaken for fiction (ain mer); it can also be found in new and old books in Latin, Hebrew, Greek and pagan languages; also, the wise men of old, whose books are still read today – Aristotiles, Virgilius, Seneca, Boecius, Augustinus, Ambrosius, Josephus and Ewsebius – are witnesses to the truth of the following story. The author will not add anything of his invention. Thus, the book begins.

Motif References:

SeAlx-57: 1950 years after the world’s and Adam’s creation, and 450 years before the advent of our savior, the world was evil and impure. People did not believe in God, there was heresy and haughtiness. So, as a punishment, God sent them a merciless judge to punish the arrogance of those who called themselves gods. This judge was Alexander.

Motif References:

SeAlx-81: Nectanabus is the king of Egypt, one of the first and mightiest empires. He is a master of the seven arts, and also master of astrology and nigromancy, the black art. With the aid of the black books and the stars he is able to foretell the future.

Motif References:

D 1712.0.1 Astrologer-magician
D 1810.0.2 Magic knowledge of magician

SeAlx-99: One day, a knight warns Nectanabus of king Artaxerses of Persia, who plans to invade Egypt by land and sea. Nectanabus’ defenses, so Artaxerses boasts, will be useless against his mighty army. Nectanabus is enraged, scolding the knight’s cowardice; victory does not depend on numbers, but on bravery. A single lion can still chase away a herd of stags.

Motif References:

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

SeAlx-121: Nectanabus leaves his troops and goes to a secret chamber; he pours rainwater into an earthen cup and throws his lots. With magic words, he summons devils; finally, he learns that he has to flee Egypt in order to survive.

Motif References:

F 403.2.3.2 Spirit gives warning
F 419 Spirits and demons – miscellaneous
D 1311.19 Divination by water
D 1812.3 Means of learning future

SeAlx-137: Nectanabus takes off his royal garments and cuts off his hair and beard, rendering himself unrecognizable. He takes gold, jewels and all of his magical instruments with him and secretly leaves his country. He reaches Greece, where he works as a soothsayer.

Motif References:

R 220 Flights
D 1812.0.1.3 (Bm) Magician flees when he foresees his own doom
K 1821.10 Disguise by cutting off hair.

SeAlx-153: When the Egyptians learn about their king’s disappearance, they bring sacrifice to their god Serapis and ask him about their king. Serapis answers: Artaxerses will conquer Egypt, and Nectanabus, having learned his future by magic, has fled; they will never see him again. In many years’ time, a young man will come from abroad, who is their heir and future lord. This man will free them from the Persian oppressors and will destroy their cities and castles, finally subjecting them to his rule. Lamenting their king’s flight, the Egyptians build a pillar of black marble in Nectanabus’ shape in his honor and place it in the center of their capitol. Serapis’ prophecy is inscribed into it in golden letters.

Motif References:

M 369.5 Prophecies concerning invasion and conquest

SeAlx-199: Nectanabus dons white clothes of silk; he is recognized as a soothsayer by all. He begins to prophesy people’s future and to interpret their dreams; soon, people from all over the country seek his services. He is believed to be a prophet of god.

Motif References:

D 1712 Soothsayer (diviner, oracle, etc.)
K 1825.8 Disguise as astrologer [soothsayer]

SeAlx-217: King Philip is the ruler of Greece at that time; while he is away to wage war against another king, Nectanabus goes to the palace to meet queen Olympias, who is the most beautiful woman in all kingdoms. When he sees her, he falls in love with her immediately. He greets her, addressing her simply as “queen” instead of “my lady”, since he is also a king. She asks him to sit beside her and inquires if he is an Egyptian; he answers by praising the Egyptian’s marvelous knowledge: they can interpret dreams, can read thoughts, understand the bird’s language and tell even a new-born child’s future by astrology. He concludes by saying that all these arts are also known to him.

Motif References:

T 15 Love at first sight
J 192.2 Wisdom from Egypt

SeAlx-271: While talking to Olympias, Nectanabus watches the queen with a look of desire; when she asks him about his thoughts, he lies that he has foreseen this meeting with the queen. She wants to test his abilities and asks Nectanabus the exact time of king Philip’s birth. Nectanabus consults his astrolabe, a small ivory slate covered with engravings of the seven planets, sun, moon and twelve signs of the sun. Shortly, he has calculated the king’s hour, day and year of birth. He then offers the queen his services.

Motif References:

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

SeAlx-307: Olympias asks Nectanabus about rumors she has heard, that king Philip wants to take another woman as his queen. Nectanabus replies, that this will indeed happen, but only in many years’ time; but even then, he will not dare leave her, as a god will chose her, Olympias, as his lover. Thus, the king will keep her and grow old with her. When asked about the god, Nectanabus describes him as of average appearance, with a ram’s horns on his head. It is the god Amon, and he will visit Olympias this same night in a dream.

Motif References:

A 123.12 (Bm) God with horns of silver and gold
M 332 (Bm) Prophecy: God will visit mortal
M 369.2 Prophecies concerning love and marriage

SeAlx-343: Nectanabus leaves the queen and gathers herbs and roots on a plain, to use in his magic and ban spirits. At night, his magic causes Olympias to dream that the god Amon has intercourse with her. In this dream, the god tells her that she has conceived a child which will protect her later. When Olympias wakes up, she calls for Nectanabus and tells him about her dream. He tells her that if she wants her dream to come true, she has to prepare a room for himself near her bedroom. This done, he tells her that Amon will visit her tonight in the shape of a dragon; then he will transform himself to a man and make love to the queen.

Motif References:

D 978 Magic herbs
D 1731.2.3 (Bm) Dream of visit by god
D 2160 (Bm) Dream created by magic

SeAlx-384: At night, Nectanabus magically transforms himself to a dragon. With fearsome noises he transforms himself back to a man in Olympias bedroom and makes love with her. When he feels that she has conceived a child, he touches her belly and prophesies the future greatness of the child: no man shall ever defeat it. At dawn, Nectanabus leaves the queen. Olympias held the firm belief that she was impregnated by a god until Nectanabus’ death; only then did Alexander tell her the truth.

Motif References:

D 199.2 Transformation: man to dragon
M 311 Prophecy: future greatness of unborn child
T 513.1.1 Impregnation by magicians’s power
D 658 Transformation to seduce
K 1315.1 Seduction by posing as a god

SeAlx-421: As Olympias fears that her husband might find out about her pregnancy, she calls Nectanabus and asks him for counsel. He tells her that she should not be afraid, since the god Amon – and he, Nectanabus – will protect her. Nectanabus induces a dream to Philip: He dreams of Olympias’ intercourse with the god Amon, and of a jeweled ring with strange engravings: the carriage of the sun, a lion head and a sword. In this dream, Amon tells Olympias that she now carries “the protector” inside her.

Motif References:

D 1731.2.3 (Bm) Dream of visit by god
D 2160 (Bm) Dream created by magic

SeAlx-451: Philip sends for wise men to interpret his dream. An astrologer tells him that his wife will give birth to a child who will succeed him as king; this child will be a God’s son. The engravings on the ring symbolize that he will conquer, like a lion, all kingdoms under the sun with his mighty sword.

Motif References:

D 1812.3.3.0.4 (Bm) Interpretation of dream by second party

SeAlx-469: One day, when Philip leaves on warfare, the dragon appears, walks in front of him, killing his enemies. Then, Philip returns home, assuring his wife of his affection. She does not have to fear any harm, as he knows that the child has been conceived from a god, as he has seen in dreams. Nectanabus transforms himself, and the dragon appears again: This time he enters the hall during a meal, frightening the people. He approaches the queen, puts his head in her lap and kisses her. Philip mentions the help the dragon was during his military campaign.

Motif References:

B 11.6 Deeds of dragons
P 556.3.2 (Bm) Feast interrupted by dragon

SeAlx-515: Another time, when Philip is alone, a small bird flies to him, sits in his lap and lays an egg. The egg drops on a stone and breaks. Out of the crack, a crowned serpent emerges. As it wants to return into the egg, which is impossible as it is broken, the serpent dies. He sends for his wise men to interpret this strange event. They say that he will have a son who will be mightier than he himself and will rule over many countries. But he will die before being able to return home, after he will have achieved everything he desires.

Motif References:

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

SeAlx-549: Finally, the time has come for Olympias; she gives birth to a beautiful son. There are earthquakes, thunder and lightning at the moment of the child’s birth, the sky darkens, storms howl, snow and hail fall from the sky. King Philip immediately goes to visit his wife and child, saying that the child shall be raised as his own even though it has been engendered by a god, as the nature phenomena indicated. The boy shall be named Alexander.

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 968 Extraordinary thunder and lightning
F 969.4 Extraordinary earthquake

SeAlx-584: Alexander resembles neither his father nor mother; his hair resembles a lion’s fur, his eyes – one light, the other black – have an extraordinary glow and are unevenly set in his face. His teeth are long and pointed like a lion’s.

Motif References:

F 512 Person unusual as to his eyes
F 513.1 Person unusual as to his teeth
F 541.6 Eyes remarkable as to colour
F 555 Remarkable hair

SeAlx-597: From the age of six, Alexander learns more rapidly than other infants at school. From the age of 12, he wants to become a knight and is educated also in knightly disciplines (jousting, fighting in tournaments, swordplay).

Motif References:

T 585 Precocious infant

SeAlx-619: Philip tells Alexander that he is proud of him, but deplores that they do not resemble each other, When Olympias hears this, she asks Nectanabus about the meaning of this statement, and the magician consults his art. He calms her: Philip does not mean to harm her, but the astrological constellation – a star is in vicinity of the sun – dampens his mood towards her.

Motif References:

D 1810.0.2 Magic knowledge of magician

SeAlx-649: Alexander has overheard the conversation and is curious about astrology. Nectanabus invites him to accompany him at night to watch the stars. Asked by Alexander, if the astrologer also knows about his own future and his own death, Nectanabus answers that he shall be killed by his own son, but does not know the time of his death.

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

SeAlx-675: At night, Alexander and Nectanabus watch the stars from outside the town near the moat; Nectanabus shows Alexander Venus and Mercurius, stars of love and commerce. Alexander, wanting to prove the astrologer’s prophecies wrong, pushes him into the moat and mocks the dying man: his art has failed him. But Nectanabus tells him that Alexander is indeed his own son, Alexander should ask his mother Olympias. Thus, the prophecy is fulfilled. Alexander now repents, takes the magician’s corpse into his arms and brings him before his mother, who, after some thought, confirms Nectanabus’ declaration. The two agree to keep it secret. The magician is buried with all honors.

Motif References:

S 139 Miscellaneous cruel murders
N 338.4 (Bm) Son unwittingly slays father (Slays teacher who was rumored to be his father, finds rumor is true)
M 391 Fulfillment of prophecy

SeAlx-755: A noble from Capadocia sends Philip a strange beast: it is in the shape of a large and beautiful horse, but is wild and untamed. It eats only human flesh and has teeth and claws like a lion’s. Its head is like an ox’s, with one sharp and cutting horn, the top of its head is also of horn. The beast is bound with strong chains, its voice is fearsome. It is called Puczeval. Philip has a cage of iron built; only criminals sentenced to death are given to it, to be devoured by the beast.

Motif References:

B 15.1 Animal unusual as to his head
B 15.1.4 (Bm) Horse with head like a bull
B 15.3.4.3 (Bm) Horned horse
B 16.1.3 Devastating horse
B 16.1.3.2 (Bm) Man-eating horse
G 351 Domestic beast as ogre
Q 415 Punishment: being eaten by animals
F 989.22 Animals eat extraordinary food

SeAlx-785: A god has prophesied Philip that the man who can ride Puczeval will be his, Philip’s, successor to the throne. One day, when Alexander, now 15 years of age, passes by the stable, he sees human feet and hands lying about; the rest of Puczeval’s meals. Alexander reaches into the horse’s cage, and the horse licks his hand peacefully. Alexander breaks open the door and approaches the horse; when Puczeval feels him come near, he wags his tail like a dog and kneels down. Alexander then mounts the horse and rides before the king.

Motif References:

P 11.1 Choice of kings by divine will
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

SeAlx-815: When the king sees Alexander on Puczeval, he is very proud. He tells Alexander that, as prophesied, he will succeed him as king. Alexander asks for support to prepare a military expedition. Philip gives Alexander 40,000 gulden and a choice of 100 horses from his stables. He advises him to take a duke with him and to conquer the kingdom that the old king Niclas refuses to subordinate to Philip.. Alexander prepares for his expedition to the kingdom of Arideas; he gives his knights gold and silver, to equip themselves with horses, swords and armor. His mother also gives him another 20,000 gulden to prepare his forces. Finally, Alexander leaves with his army.

Motif References:

P 17.0.2 Son succeeds father as king
P 550.1.1 (Li) Aggression: rebellion; usurpation; invasion; assault

SeAlx-851: King Niclas rides to meet Alexander and his invading army and asks Alexander his name. When Alexander tells him he is Philip’s son and has come to claim the kingdom of Arideas in his name, Niclas is enraged. He tells Alexander that only his good manners prevent him from spitting in Alexander’s face. Alexander challenges him to battle and they arrange a battle within the next forty days. Niclas leaves to gather his forces. At the appointed day the armies meet at dawn; to the sound of battle-horns, a furious battle begins. Many are wounded or killed until noon. Niclas and Alexander meet on the battlefield; the blows they deal each other are as powerful as blows to an anvil. Finally, Alexander kills Niclas; with this, the battle is won.

Motif References:

P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War
P 550.2 (Li) Single combat
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
P 556 Challenge to battle
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]

SeAlx-910: Alexander sends his warriors to claim the rest of the kingdom; thus, he conquers the whole of Arideas. The nobles of the kingdom come to him to crown him and vow loyalty. Alexander leaves some warriors in Arideas and returns home to Macedonia.

Motif References:

P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]
P 559 (Li) Peace: making and conditions of peace (ransom, reparations, submission)

SeAlx-925: At his return, Alexander learns that his father has repudiated his mother and taken another wife, Kleopacia. At the wedding feast, Alexander crowns Philip with king Niclas’ crown, but reproaches him with repudiating his mother and committing adultery. Alexander says that, when he marries his mother to another king, he will not ask Philip or invite him to the wedding.

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

SeAlx-951: A noble called Lysias tells Philip that Kleopacia will bear a son resembling him, Philip; this son will succeed him to the throne. Hearing this, Alexander is enraged; he strikes Lysias with a staff and kills him. Philip, leaping up in rage, wants to attack Alexander with a sword, but fumbles and falls down, hurting himself. Alexander calmly leaves the wedding.

Motif References:

N 397 Accidental self-injury

SeAlx-986: A few days later, Alexander visits Philip at his sick-bed, addressing him not as his father, but as a king and his friend. He urges Philip to a reconciliation with his mother and excuses Lysias’ murder: he had tainted his, Alexander’s, and Olympias’ honor with his words. When he forgives Philip that he had drawn his sword against him, they both weep. Then Alexander goes to Olympias and tells her not to worry; Philip means her well, and her sin (sleeping with Nectanabus) shall be forever hidden from him. He takes her to Philip and they are reconciled.

Motif References:

T 298 Reconciliation [reunion] of (separated) couple

SeAlx-1039: Emperor Darius of Persia is the mightiest king, ruling all kingdoms of the earth. He sends messengers to Philip, demanding tribute. When Alexander sees these messengers, he tells them to leave and take this message to Darius: before his son’s birth, Philip had a hen which laid golden eggs, with which the tribute to Darius was paid. But at Alexander’s birth, the hen was killed. The messengers leave empty-handed and return to Persia.

Motif References:

P 14.15.2 Court messenger
Z 100 Symbolism
B 103.2.1 Treasure-laying bird
P 532 Payment of tax (tribute) [toll]

SeAlx-1067: The country of Armenia has shown signs of disloyalty towards Philip; he sends Alexander with an army over the sea to deal with it.

Motif References:

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

SeAlx-1081: The country of Britannia is tributary to king Philip; the mighty king Pausania of Britannia, hearing of Alexander’s absence, invades Greece. Philip, underestimating Pausania’s forces, assembles warriors and advances towards the invading army. Realizing the large numbers of his enemy, Philip turns and flees, but Pausania pursues him on horseback. He stabs Philip with his sword, mortally wounding him. Philip’s forces flee.

Motif References:

P 16.0.1 (Bm) Regicide
S 110 Murders
R 220 Flights
P 550.1.1 (Li) Aggression: rebellion; usurpation; invasion; assault

SeAlx-1125: News of Philip’s death cause great lament in all kingdoms. Pausania, intending to abduct queen Olympias, searches the palace, but Olympias hides from him. Meanwhile, Alexander has victoriously returned from Armenia; Olympias, lamenting the events, urges him to avenge Philip. Pausania, expecting him in front of the palace, is killed by Alexander with a single blow.

Motif References:

P 233.6 Son avenges father
Q 411 Death as punishment
P 550.2 (Li) Single combat

SeAlx-1163: A knight tells Alexander of his father’s death; he hurries to the battlefield, where Philip still barely lives. Alexander kneels down and weeps; Philip says now he is content to die, as he was avenged by Alexander. With this, he dies. He is buried with great splendor and royal dignity, and Alexander himself carries him to the grave.

Motif References:

P 16 End of king’s reign
P 16.0.1 (Bm) Regicide

SeAlx-1199: Three days after Philip’s funeral, Alexander is crowned king by the kingdom’s nobles. He calls for all knights and men-at-arms of all ages to assemble at his court; there he tells his nobles that he plans a military expedition against Persia and Babylonia, which he calls barbarians. He swears to lead Greece out of servitude and to conquer all enemies if they follow him; those who are unarmed will receive their equipment from him. He tells them to prepare for the expedition, which will start in three months’ time.

Motif References:

P 17.0.2 Son succeeds father as king
M 166 Other vows about fighting
P 552.6 (Tu) Conscription of troops: summoning allies as preparation for war
P 557.0.1 (Li) Council of war

SeAlx-1261: The old nobles of Greece propose to Alexander that he should only take the young and strong on his expedition, since they are old and tired. Alexander refuses: the young rely too much on their strength, while the wisdom and counsel of old age are far more valuable. The old warriors agree to accompany him. Alexander prepares for the expedition; he provisions his ships and wins countless soldiers for his army by generously paying all volunteering warriors.

Motif References:

J 441 Profitable association of young and old
P 551 Army

SeAlx-1311: Alexander leaves Greece in his mother’s custody; she weeps, as she would never see him again. With more than thousand ships, Alexander takes his army over the sea to the kingdom at that time called Ytalia; now its name is Lamparten and Tustkan. Alexander lands his troops at the mouth of the river Tiber and erects his enormous camp to rest for some days.

Motif References:

P 550.1.1 (Li) Aggression: rebellion; usurpation; invasion; assault
F 873.2 Enormous army (camp)

SeAlx-1339: The lords and councilors of Rome are terrified when they hear of Alexander’s invasion. At a wise man’s advice they send him 1000 pounds of gold, a golden crown and provisions for his ships and beg for mercy. Alexander is content and takes his army to Affrica, where the same thing happens: the lords surrender, send tribute to Alexander and vow loyalty. He leaves a captain in the kingdom.

Motif References:

P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]
R 75 Surrendering
P 532 Payment of tax (tribute) [toll]

SeAlx-1379: It is Alexander’s custom not to demand tax from those kingdoms that surrender to him; of those kingdoms, be they rich or poor, he harms nobody and takes only what is his by right. Kingdoms or cities that oppose him are destroyed and burnt down.

Motif References:

P 14 Particular practices of kings
P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]

SeAlx-1395: Alexander visits an island off the coast of Affrica, where there is a temple to the god Amon. When Alexander and his men set foot on the island, they see a beautiful stag. Although all the men shoot at the animal with their bows, all arrows bounce off the stag; only Alexander’s arrow strikes and kills it. Therefore the city nearby was later named Sagittarius.

Motif References:

V 112 Temples
Z 703 (Bm) Eponymous account of city’s founding
D 1381.3.2 Magic unpierceable (horn) skin protects against attack
D 1840.2.2 Invulnerable stag

SeAlx-1427: As Alexander and his men approach the city, they see the temple from afar. Alexander has a camp made and announces to wait here until gods prophesy his future. He gives sacrifice and prays.

Motif References:

V 11.9 Sacrifice to deity
V 17.5 Sacrifice to get knowledge

SeAlx-1443: The god Serapis appears to Alexander in a dream and shows him an enormous mountain. He challenges Alexander to move it, to which Alexander replies that it can not be done. Serapis prophesies Alexander that just like the mountain can not be moved, so Alexander’s deeds and his name shall not be dishonored during his life. His expeditions will be successful. When Alexander asks about his time and manner of death, Serapis replies that mortals should not know the time of their death, but tells him that he will die an early death by poison, and that he will have to suffer greatly before he reaches his goals. Alexander wakes up and is saddened by the prophecy.

Motif References:

Z 100 Symbolism
M 341.1.2 Prophecy: early death
M 341.2.8 Prophecy: Death by poison
D 1731.2.3 (Bm) Dream of visit by god

SeAlx-1494: Alexander orders his craftsmen to build a city by the sea. This city is called Alexandria. Alexander himself supervises the planning; with pieces of string and chalk the outlines of the buildings and doors are marked. However, the next morning a flock of birds comes and eats the chalk. Alexander is discouraged and takes it as a bad omen: the city may not prosper for long.

Motif References:

Z 703 (Bm) Eponymous account of city’s founding
F 989 Extraordinary occurrences concerning animals – miscellaneous
D 1812.5.1.12 Animal behavior as bad omen

SeAlx-1523: Egyptian priests send Alexander a message, interpreting the birds’ behavior as a good omen: the city will be full of inhabitants and prosper.

Motif References:

D 1812.3.3.0.4 (Bm) Interpretation of dream by second party

SeAlx-1539: Alexander is happy about the Egyptians’ interpretation. Alexander sends for all priests in neighboring Egypt and orders them to bring the bones of St. Jeremias, which had been buried in Egypt 200 years before. The relics are then immured into the city’s walls, to protect the city and its defenses from destruction by impure vermin.

Motif References:

V 140 Sacred relics
D 1381.20 Sacred relics protect against attack

SeAlx-1566: Alexander takes his army to Egypt; he leaves his ships in Alexandria and has carriages built. The Egyptians, hearing of his approach, leave their cities and walk towards him to surrender. They welcome Alexander as their new ruler. When he inquires about the pillar erected in Nectanabus’ honor, he is told about their king’s disappearance and the prophesied coming of his son, their future king. He reveals himself as Nectanabus’ son and kisses the pillar, reading the engravings. The Egyptians pay gold and silver as tribute, and give him horses and 500 carriages of provisions.

Motif References:

R 75 Surrendering
M 391 Fulfillment of prophecy
P 532 Payment of tax (tribute) [toll]

SeAlx-1628: Alexander leaves Egypt and invades Syria, whose inhabitants oppose and fight Alexander. Alexander has the country ravaged, the castles destroyed and the inhabitants killed until they finally surrender. Many kings, hearing of the destruction wreaked in Syria, surrender to Alexander and pay tribute. Some of them he has put out of office, some are captured and some he has killed.

Motif References:

R 75 Surrendering
P 532 Payment of tax (tribute) [toll]

SeAlx-1665: Next, Alexander takes his armies to the city of Sindon; the inhabitants surrender.

Motif References:

R 75 Surrendering

SeAlx-1670: Alexander lays siege to the nearby city of Tyrus; his forces assault the city again and again, but the inhabitants defend their city bravely. Finally, Alexander runs short on supplies for his armies; he sends a letter to the Jewish bishop Jaldus, requesting troops and provisions. This tribute should be sent to him, Alexander, instead of the tribute payable to Darius.

Motif References:

P 533 Feudal tribute
P 550.1.1 (Li) Aggression: rebellion; usurpation; invasion; assault
P 550 Military affairs
P 557.0.4 (Li) Siege
P 715.1 Jews

SeAlx-1701: Jaldus writes a letter in reply, refusing to aid Alexander. He must honor the oath of loyalty sworn to emperor Darius and can in no way oppose him or help Darius’ enemies. When Alexander hears this, he is enraged. He says that the Jews will regret their refusal to help, as he will show them his might.

Motif References:

W 34 Loyalty
M 500 (Bm) Threats

SeAlx-1718: The next night, Alexander has a dream: he is holding a grape in his hand, drops it and steps on it, squashing its red juices. When he wakes up, he sends for his wise men to interpret the dream, and they tell him that it means he will conquer the city of Tyrus: the grape signifies the city, the juice is the blood that will be shed.

Motif References:

Z 100 Symbolism
D 1712.3 Interpreter of dreams
D 1812.3.3.5 Prophetic dream allegorical

SeAlx-1753: The next morning, Alexander attacks Tyrus with renewed zeal. Finally, the walls are broken; Alexander has all the inhabitants killed, the buildings destroyed and burnt down.

Motif References:

P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
P 557.0.4 (Li) Siege

SeAlx-1773: Alexander takes his armies to Jerusalem, intending to punish the Jews’ refusal to aid him in the siege of Tyrus. The cities of Nodus and Cilica are destroyed on his way to the Jews. Jaldus, hearing of Alexander’s approach, orders all Jews to fast and pray for three days. At night, Jaldus has a dream: God tells him to have the city decorated and to have all citizens of Jerusalem walk towards Alexander’s armies all dressed in white.

Motif References:

V 73 Fasts
Z 142 Symbolic color: white
P 715.1 Jews
D 1731.2.3 (Bm) Dream of visit by god
D 1814.3 Advice from God (or the gods)

SeAlx-1815: Jaldus follows God’s advice from his dream and has Jerusalem decorated. With the priests leading them, the inhabitants of Jerusalem walk out of their city. On a mountain called Schoprillo they dress in white and expect Alexander’s coming. When they see him approach, they walk towards Alexander. Jaldus is dressed in golden robes, on his head a cap with a jewel and a golden plate on which the name of God – the Tetragramaton – is engraved. Seeing them, Alexander dismounts and kneels, adoring God’s name. The inhabitants of Jerusalem welcome him as their king.

Motif References:

SeAlx-1867: The nobles of Syria and others in Alexander’s army wonder about their leader’s behavior, but nobody dare ask except a duke named Parmetra. He inquires why Alexander has kneeled before Jaldus despite his own might. Alexander replies that years ago he had seen his god in a dream, dressed the same way as Jaldus. In this dream, his god has prophesied him success on his expeditions to Asia, and told him that his name was Tetragramaton. Upon seeing Jaldus, dressed like the God in his dream and wearing god’s name engraved on his head, Alexander honored his god, not the Jewish high priest.

Motif References:

M 369.5 Prophecies concerning invasion and conquest
D 1731.2.3 (Bm) Dream of visit by god

SeAlx-1923: Alexander and his nobles ride into Jerusalem; he brings sacrifice in Salomon’s temple. Jaldus shows him the book of prophecies of Daniel. The 350 years old prophecy speaks of a Greek who would conquer Persia and all kingdoms.

Motif References:

V 112 Temples
M 302.8 Prophecy from a book
M 369.5 Prophecies concerning invasion and conquest

SeAlx-1945: Alexander, giving many presents to the temple, grants Jaldus and his priests a wish. They ask to be allowed to live by the laws of their ancestors, given to Moses by God, and to be spared the tribute for seven years. Alexander grants this, and they ask for another favor. Alexander should also allow all other Jews in his kingdoms, in Media and Babylonia, to live by their own laws. Alexander agrees and asks them to pray to their god to grant him help in his battles.

Motif References:

M 200 Bargains and promises
P 531 Taxation and payment of fines and tribute
P 715.1 Jews

SeAlx-1973: Alexander leaves Andevagus as his curator in Jerusalem and continues his military expedition. All the towns he comes to surrender and welcome him as their ruler. In the land of Samaria, the inhabitants demand equal treatment as the Jews, as they are their relatives, but Alexander refuses – before he came, they had always denied their relationship.

Motif References:

R 75 Surrendering
P 715.1 Jews

SeAlx-1997: Survivors from Tyrus reach Darius and report the complete destruction of their city by Alexander. Darius inquires about Alexander’s appearance, and the fugitives describe him as small and young-looking, much like a child.

Motif References:

L 112.2 Very small hero

SeAlx-2017: Darius sends Alexander a letter and three presents: a ball, a stick with a crooked top (used by Persian children to play ball-games) and a golden cup. In the letter, Darius explains the gifts: Alexander had better play with his presents at his mother’s side. Even if Alexander had all the world at his side, instead of just his army of robbers, he would still be powerless compared to Persia’s might. Darius calls Alexander poor, boasting of Persia’s gold and riches. He threatens to have him hanged like a robber by his knights.

Motif References:

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

SeAlx-2061: When Alexander is delivered the message and the gifts, he says to his worrying nobles that barking dogs do not bite. The riches Darius boasted of in his letter will only add to his ambition to conquer Persia. He orders the messengers hanged; if Darius calls him a robber, he will act like one. The messengers, fearing for their lives, argue that Darius is ignorant of Alexander’s glory; if he lets them go, they will tell Darius of his, Alexander’s, honorability. Alexander lets them live.

Motif References:

P 14.15.2 Court messenger
J 1675 Clever arguing with a king

SeAlx-2107: Alexander treats the messenger as his guests; one of them makes him an offer. If Alexander gives them some of his warriors, they will deliver Darius into Alexander’s hands. Alexander refuses: he wants to defeat Darius by honorable means.

Motif References:

W 45 Honor
P 320 Hospitality
K 2299 Other villains and traitors – miscellaneous

SeAlx-2128: Alexander sends a letter to Darius, reproaching him for his boasting of his riches towards a poorer man. He reminds Darius of his mortality and tells him that he will have little honor from defeating him, Alexander, since Darius only thinks of him as a common robber. If he, the mighty Darius, is defeated, Alexander will be praised and honored. Persia’s riches will end their poverty. Alexander interprets the presents he was sent: the ball means he will rule the whole world, the crooked stick means all kings will bow before him. The golden cup is the symbol for all the countries that will soon be tributary to him, Alexander. Alexander gives presents to the messengers and sends them to Darius to deliver his message.

Motif References:

Z 174 Message or orders given symbolic action
H 607 Discussion by symbols
J 1600 Practical retorts – miscellaneous

SeAlx-2195: Darius is angry when he reads Alexander’s message. He sends letters to two of his mightiest dukes, Primus and Antilogus, and orders them to capture Alexander as soon as possible; he is eager to punish Alexander to have him flogged and sent back to his mother. The two dukes reply that they only barely managed to flee from a battle with Alexander; his bravery and knighthood are unsurpassed. His army is the largest they have ever seen, and they remind Darius that the mighty town of Tyrus was destroyed by the one Darius calls a child.

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

SeAlx-2247: Darius is informed that Alexander has made camp by the river Kranica, five days’ travel off the Persian capitol. In a letter, Darius warns Alexander not to advance any further; he sends him a glove filled with poppy seeds and compares the innumerable grains to the vastness of his people and his power. Alexander tastes the seeds, saying that there may be many, but they are soft and mild. He sends Darius a single corn of pepper, comparing its sharpness to the quality of his army.

Motif References:

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

SeAlx-2305: Alexander takes his army deeper into Persia. Alexander assembles his nobles for a council of war to determine their future strategy. A decision is planned for the next morning.

Motif References:

P 557.0.1 (Li) Council of war

SeAlx-2329: At night, the god Amon visits Alexander in a dream. He counsels him to ride to Darius in the disguise of his own messenger and gives him clothes to disguise himself. Alexander tells his nobles of his dream, and they agree on this plan.

Motif References:

F 1068.1 Tokens from a dream
D 1731.2.3 (Bm) Dream of visit by god
D 1814.2 Advice from dream
D 1814.3 Advice from God (or the gods)

SeAlx-2355: Alexander and one of his trusted knights, Emolus, leave the army to ride to Darius. He tells Emolus to bring a spare horse with him. At night, they reach the river Tigris; this river flows by day and freezes by night, making it easy to cross it by night, but impossible to traverse by day.

Motif References:

F 715 Extraordinary river
F 932.6.3 In dead of night waters of stream cease flowing [freeze] and stand perfectly still

SeAlx-2383: Alexander disguises himself with the white silken clothes received in his dream; he leaves Emolus, ordering him to wait for him with the horses. When Emolus asks to accompany Alexander, he tells him Amon will protect him. Then he crosses the frozen Tigris and rides towards Persypoleis, the Persian capitol.

Motif References:

K 1812.15 King disguised as own messenger

SeAlx-2409: Arriving at the city gates, Alexander is believed to be a god in his white clothes. He introduces himself as Alexander’s messenger. Darius, who had been away from the city to prepare his vassals for the battle, returns to the city and meets the stranger, also mistaking him for the god Apollo. Alexander greets Darius and delivers Alexander’s message: he should either surrender or name a day for a battle. Darius invites the messenger to eat with him, just as his messengers were treated hospitably by Alexander.

Motif References:

P 320 Hospitality
P 556 Challenge to battle

SeAlx-2465: Darius, taking Alexander by his right hand, leads him to his palace. Alexander takes this as an omen: he thinks that soon this palace will be his own. The palace and the hall are ornate with gold, and Alexander is seated among the dukes of Persia. They mock him for his small frame and esteem him little.

Motif References:

D 1812.5.2 Favorable omens

SeAlx-2497: During the meal, Alexander rusefully collects all the golden cups he has been drinking from in his lap. Each is worth five marks, and Alexander collects three of them before the cupbearer thinks he is a thief and reports it to Darius. Darius asks Alexander about this, who retorts that where he lives it is a custom that everybody takes the golden cups he has been drinking from. He willingly returns the cups, as it is not a custom here. The Persians think that this is not a good custom.

Motif References:

W 11 Generosity
J 1399 Retorts concerning thefts – miscellaneous

SeAlx-2533: The duke Antiopolis, who had been at king Philip’s court in Greece to collect tribute, gets suspicious; finally, he recognizes Alexander and secretly tells Darius. When Alexander notices the duke whispering to Darius, he leaves immediately and runs to his horse. On his way there he grabs a torch from a boy and rides out of Persepolis. The Persian nobles start their pursuit, but as only Alexander has a torch to light his way through the forest at night, his pursuers can not follow him, bump into trees and fall off their horses. Finally, they give up the chase.

Motif References:

H 79 Recognition by physical attributes – miscellaneous
R 220 Flights

SeAlx-2585: Meanwhile, Darius waits in his palace for his men to return. Suddenly, the golden pillars, erected by Exersus on top of the palace, tumble and fall down. With tears and lament Darius takes this as a bad omen: his reign will come to an end.

Motif References:

D 1812.5.1 Bad omens
D 1812.5 Future learned through omens

SeAlx-2607: Alexander crosses the frozen Tigris; his horse dies from exhaustion. He tells Emolus about his adventure and they return to their army. The next morning, Alexander addresses his warriors. He says he has seen the Persian’s large numbers, but there is no need to despair: a hundred wasps will surely defeat 10,000 gnats.

Motif References:

J 280 Quality preferred to quantity
B 339.2 (Bm) Horse falls dead from being ridden too hard
H 619 Other symbolic interpretations

SeAlx-2649: Darius sends letters to all his vassals, demanding troops and support for his battle against Alexander. His army consists of 600,000 warriors, while Alexander has 30,000 foot-soldiers and over 40,000 on horseback. The author does not wish to tell any more details about the armies, their strategies or their leaders like Wolfram von Eschenbach did; it would take too long, and the names would be unknown to the reader anyway.

Motif References:

P 552.6 (Tu) Conscription of troops: summoning allies as preparation for war
F 873.2 Enormous army (camp)

SeAlx-2677: Alexander’s and Darius’s forces advance towards each other and to the sound of battle horns the armies clash. Alexander fights in the first row; a furious battle rages until evening. Finally, the Greeks seem to win the day; when Darius sees his warriors die, he flees from the battlefield to the city; his remaining forces flee as well. Alexander is victorious; he has the dead buried. Only 130 Greeks are killed, while 40,000 Persians lie dead.

Motif References:

P 14 Particular practices of kings
V 69.1 All dead are buried after battle
R 220 Flights
P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]

SeAlx-2719: Alexander sends letters to all of his vassals and demands a thousand pairs of clothing, adorned with ermine and fur, from each of them. They obey.

Motif References:

P 532 Payment of tax (tribute) [toll]

SeAlx-2731: Darius sends a letter to Porrus, the king of India, to ask for military support against Alexander. Porrus assures Darius of his help.

Motif References:

P 557.0.3 (Li) Military aid (alliance)

SeAlx-2745: Alexander is informed that Darius gathers an even larger army; his counselors advise him to choose a narrow/confined field of battle.

Motif References:

K 2369 Military strategy – miscellaneous

SeAlx-2751: Alexander takes his army to Cilicia, crossing the mountain Thaurus. In one day the army traverses 60 miles. The army makes camp by a river; due to the great heat, Alexander bathes in the river, but gets sick from it. His body grows stiff and he is close to death. Alexander’s men are worried that Darius may take advantage of the situation, but Alexander calms them.

Motif References:

N 380 Other unlucky accidents

SeAlx-2781: Alexander calls his physician Philippus, who proposes to prepare a potion to cure his sickness. But an Armenian noble named Parmeneis, jealous of Alexander’s sympathy for Philippus, writes a slanderous letter to Alexander in which he warns him against Pilippus’ supposedly deadly medicine: The physician has been promised Darius’s daughter as a wife in case he kills Alexander. Alexander reads the letter; when Philippus brings the medicine, Alexander refuses to take it, watching his physician for signs of guilt. Philippus calms Alexander and persuades him to drink it, and Alexander gets well again. Then he shows Philippus the letter, and the physician assures Alexander of his innocence and asks who wrote the slanderous letter. Alexander tells Philippus he had always trusted him; that he drank the potion before confronting him with the letter has been the proof of his trust and love. Alexander has Parmeneis captured and beheaded as punishment.

Motif References:

Q 297 Slander punished
P 317.1 Refusal to believe that friend will harm one
Q 421 Punishment: beheading
P 424 Physician
K 2129 Slanders – miscellaneous
K 2247 Treacherous lord [vassal]
K 2380 (Hi) Detection of treachery or deceit

SeAlx-2859: Darius has assembled 400,000 warriors; Alexander takes his army to the field of battle in the mountains. With flying banners and to the sound of trumpets a furious battle begins. Many are killed, many swords are broken in the battle. Alexander sees Darius on the battlefield; on his horse Puczeval he fights through the Persians and wounds Darius. Darius and his army turn to flee, pursued by the Greeks.

Motif References:

R 220 Flights
P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War
P 550.2 (Li) Single combat
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
F 873.2 Enormous army (camp)
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]

SeAlx-2909: 40,000 Persians are captured, the fleeing armies of Darius leave their tents on the battlefield. The Greeks find many treasures in the tents. Confident in his victory Darius has brought his family with him, so they may witness the battle. His wife, his two sisters, his mother and his beautiful daughter Roxane are captured in Darius’s tent and brought to Alexander. He has them treated with all due respect.

Motif References:

R 4 Surprise capture
R 5 Capture on field of battle
P 533.1 Hostages

SeAlx-2943: During the battle, a Persian noble disguised as a Greek approaches Alexander and attacks him from behind; only Alexander’s helm saves him from death. Captured, the Persian says that Darius had promised him his daughter as a wife and half the kingdom if he killed Alexander. Alexander assembles his warriors and praises the Persian’s bravery and loyalty. Then he lets the man go.

Motif References:

W 11.5.2 Ruler pardons emissary [attacker] who has come to murder him
T 68 Princess offered as prize
Q 112 Half of kingdom as reward
H 335.4.1 Suitor task: to bring enemy’s head
K 2357.7.1 (Bm) Disguise as enemy to approach (and slay) enemy king

SeAlx-2998: Alexander orders all dead buried after battle. Only 150 Greeks, but 24,000 Persians have been killed.

Motif References:

V 69.1 All dead are buried after battle

SeAlx-3008: A great camp, like a big city, is made on the battlefield. The victory is celebrated with feasts and games: tournaments, jousting, dancing, singing, music and chess. The army rests for a whole year. Alexander often visits Roxane, to talk and play chess. He falls in love with her.

Motif References:

T 29 Falling in love – miscellaneous
P 634 Feasts
F 873.2 Enormous army (camp)

SeAlx-3034: Darius, returned to Persepolis, laments his defeat. He reasons that it must have been God’s will: God lowers the mighty and elevates the lowly at his will. He writes a letter to Alexander, admitting his defeat and begging him to return his family to him. He is willing to give Alexander any treasure he wants, even the reign over Persia and Media and all his kingdoms.

Motif References:

R 99 (Bm) Ransom
M 200 Bargains and promises
L 410.1 Proud king humbled

SeAlx-3086: Alexander has Darius’s message read in public; his men are overjoyed, proposing to accept the offer. But Alexander refuses; he replies to Darius’s messengers that he will not win the kingdoms by exchange of hostages. Instead, he challenges Darius to battle; if Darius wins, his family will be returned without the payment of ransom. He sends Darius’s messenger back with many gifts.

Motif References:

P 14.15.2 Court messenger
W 40 (Bm) Nobility
P 556 Challenge to battle

SeAlx-3120: When Darius receives Alexander’s answer, he decides to fight Alexander again. He sends messages to all his vassals, and sends a letter to Porrus, lamenting his defeat and the capture of his family. He urges the Indian king to come to his aid and describes Alexander as an animal, uncaring for worldly goods and hungry only for battle. He offers gold and silver and announces a reward of 5 gold shillings for every soldier on horseback and 3 for every foot soldier. 200 maidens will be sent to Porrus’ army camp, to serve “at bed and table”, and Darius also promises Porrus the horse Puczeval and Alexander’s weapons.

Motif References:

M 200 Bargains and promises
P 552.6 (Tu) Conscription of troops: summoning allies as preparation for war
P 557.0.3 (Li) Military aid (alliance)

SeAlx-3178: A Persian knight informs Alexander that Darius prepares for war and that the Indian king will support him.

Motif References:

SeAlx-3186: Darius’s mother sends her son a letter, begging him not to fight against Alexander again. Clearly, God is on Alexander’s side, and fighting against him will only taint the honor of the Persian kings. She urges him to surrender and subject himself to Alexander.

Motif References:

R 75 Surrendering

SeAlx-3218: When Darius reads his mother’s letter, he weeps for the loss of his and his lineage’s honor. 230 years ago his ancestors Darius and Tirus had defeated Walthesar of Babylonia and founded the Persian empire. He does not write a reply.

Motif References:

SeAlx-3240: Alexander takes his army to the capitol of Persia, where Darius has his palace. In order to cheat the enemy about the size of his army, he has branches of trees cut off and has them tied to horses’ tails. Thus, he intends to scare the Persians.

Motif References:

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

SeAlx-3270: Alexander makes camp near the river Tigris, six miles away from Persepolis. Darius approaches with 100,000 on horseback, 6000 chariots and 50,000 warriors on foot and settles on the other side of the river. A truce is announced to make plans and prepare for the battle. On Darius’s request, Alexander withdraws his forces back half a day’s journey.

Motif References:

P 557 Military customs
P 558 (Bm) Truce

SeAlx-3304: Both armies are prepared and advance to do battle; the Persians cross the river Tigris. Alexander, riding Puczeval, charges on top of his warriors, terrifying the Persians. The banners are raised, trumpets, temerin and horns are sounded; a furious battle begins. Spears are broken, the clashing of swords drowns out the trumpets. The sky is darkened by the showers of arrows, the earth turns red from the bloodshed; the battle is the fiercest ever waged. For miles the battlefield is filled with corpses. Many are trampled. The battle rages from before dawn until sunset. Most of the Persian warriors are killed that day.

Motif References:

P 14 Particular practices of kings
P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]

SeAlx-3374: Darius, seeing his warriors die, flees over the river Tigris as soon as it freezes again at night. His warriors, realizing their emperor’s flight, also retreat. Many foot soldiers are trampled by the fleeing cavalry and chariots. When the main body of the army arrives at the river, it is dawn again and they are trapped, as the river is now again uncrossable. The Persians are killed or drown in the river.

Motif References:

R 220 Flights
P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
F 715 Extraordinary river
F 932.6.3 In dead of night waters of stream cease flowing [freeze] and stand perfectly still

SeAlx-3416: After 230 years of Persian reign, Alexander has now defeated them. It takes him 34 days to divide the treasures found in the Persian camp. In the three battles in three years, 110,000 warriors were killed, in his other battles 9,100 were killed.

Motif References:

P 16 End of king’s reign

SeAlx-3450: Alexander has all dead buried after battle; the nobles are buried separately with all honors. The wounded are taken care of.

Motif References:

V 69.1 All dead are buried after battle

SeAlx-3462: The next evening after the battle, Alexander crosses the Tigris at night. The country is deserted of inhabitants for fear of plundering by his army, but enough supplies are found to prepare winter camp. During the winter they find many palaces built by the Persian king Exersus. At first, Alexander wants to burn them, but he changes his mind. They find the burial places of the kings and dig up the coffins to find many treasures buried with the bones.

Motif References:

N 511.1.1 Treasure buried in graves

SeAlx-3502: The Greeks find the grave of the Assyrian king, made from a hollowed out amethyst; on its surface there are engravings of birds and flowers. The purple stone is transparent, and the skeleton of the dead king inside can be seen.

Motif References:

F 778 (Bm) Extraordinary tomb
F 809.7 Transparent stone
F 852.1 Glass coffin

SeAlx-3516: Nearby the burial place is a tower, where Darius has criminals imprisoned. They are kept there in lock and bond on bread and water until they die; many of them have had one hand cut off. When the prisoners hear Alexander’s army outside, they cry for help and beg to be freed. Alexander has them set free and takes pity on them. He gives each of them 10 gold marks and promises to help them regain their goods and honor. They stay with the army until their strength is restored.

Motif References:

R 9.10 (Bm) Release from captivity
W 10 Kindness
R 41.2 Captivity in tower
R 51.2 Prisoners confined in chains
R 51.1 Prisoners starved
R 51.3 Prisoners mutilated
M 200 Bargains and promises

SeAlx-3561: In the three years in Persia Alexander has learned to speak the Persian language.

Motif References:

SeAlx-3567: Alexander rides to Persepolis, after a short siege, the citizens surrender to him.

Motif References:

R 75 Surrendering
P 557.0.4 (Li) Siege

SeAlx-3578: Darius has hurriedly fled to Perchus alone, a neighbour country of Persia with strong castles, mountains and swamps.

Motif References:

R 220 Flights

SeAlx-3588: The Persian nobles Lisus and Arbasones, Darius’s chamberlain and his treasurer, follow Darius. They want to capture him to earn Alexander’s gratitude. When Darius sees them approach, he waits for them in the belief that they come to aid him. But the traitors bind him in golden bonds from his own chamber and take him with them. When Darius laments their disloyalty and tells them that Alexander will not reward this treachery, they attack and wound him. Darius falls off his horse and they leave him, believing him dead.

Motif References:

R 4 Surprise capture
P 16.0.1 (Bm) Regicide
P 50.0.2 (Bm) Knight who acknowledges no overlord [Allegiance: loyalty and disloyalty of vassals]
K 2248 Treacherous minister

SeAlx-3646: When Alexander is informed that Darius is mortally wounded, he immediately sends his knights to capture the unknown assailants. Alexander himself rides to Darius, who still lies on the field in his blood. Alexander covers the dying king with furs. Weeping, Alexander promises Darius that he shall remain ruler of his empire and he, Alexander, will act like a son towards him from now on, since no king shall take advantage of another’s misfortune. He urges Darius to tell him the names of his assailants, so he can avenge him.

Motif References:

W 11.5 Generosity toward enemy

SeAlx-3690: Darius addresses Alexander as his son, reminding him of the ever-changing nature of the world. He warns Alexander not to be too ambitious; yesterday, he, Darius, was ruler of a mighty empire, and today he is dying. He begs Alexander to bury his body, care for his mother and to take his daughter Roxane as his wife. Alexander shakes Darius’s hand, and Darius dies in his arms.

Motif References:

P 16.0.1 (Bm) Regicide
T 68.4 Vanquished king gives hero his daughter and control over his kingdom
P 310.5 Defeated enemy turns true friend

SeAlx-3737: Alexander has Darius’ corpse embalmed (with piment, cinnamon, aloe and spica nardi) to protect his body from decay, clothed in robes of salamander-skin (these garments are spun in fire by the animals and never fade or decay.) and crowned and ornate with gold and jewels. His coffin is made of a precious transparent green jewel from India. Two lamps, made of precious jewels are placed beside his head; since they are filled with balm and the wicks are made of Indian napa, these lamps burn forever. Nobles from Persia and Greece lament Darius; Alexander himself and Persian dukes carry Darius’ body.

Motif References:

W 11.5 Generosity toward enemy
P 12.9.1 (Bm) King mourns dead enemy
V 68 Preparations for burial
P 683 (Bm) Embalming
F 809.7 Transparent stone
F 821.1 Dress of extraordinary material
F 821.11 Clothes remain ever new
F 852.1 Glass coffin
D 1652.6 Ever-burning lamp

SeAlx-3800: Darius’ killers, seeing Alexander’s laments at Darius’ death, keep their deed secret.

Motif References:

SeAlx-3806: Alexander enters Darius’ palace, which was built by Tyrus. The floor of the hall is made of white, green, blue and black marble, the walls are ornate with golden plates decorated with jewels (sapphires, rubies, emeralds). The blue ceiling is decorated with many jewels, which shine like the stars at night. Twelve pillars of silver and gold hold the ceiling.

Motif References:

F 771 Extraordinary castle (house, palace)
F 771.1.1 Golden castle (palace, house)

SeAlx-3852: The next morning, Alexander is crowned. He wears local garments and is seated on a golden throne, erected by Tyrus. All Persian nobles swear loyalty.

Motif References:

P 13.5 Crowning [and making] of kings
P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]
M 100.0.1 (Li) Oath of allegiance
F 785 Extraordinary throne

SeAlx-3868: Alexander sends letters to all of his subjects, regretting the loss of so many lives and orders all officials, judges and guards to continue to perform their duties just like under Darius’ rule. Alexander announces Public Peace; violators shall be bound with oak’s switches. All weapons shall be collected and stored together. Alexander then declares the road from Persia to Ollada open and safe for all merchants.

Motif References:

P 19 Other motifs connected with kings
P 559 (Li) Peace: making and conditions of peace (ransom, reparations, submission)

SeAlx-3940: Alexander addresses his nobles, announcing his wish to find Darius’ murderers, as he wants to honor and reward them. He swears by his god and his mother’s wellbeing to elevate them above all and make them the best-known in Persia. The Persians are dejected by this announcement, but the two assassins step forth and confess their murder of Darius. Alexander orders them hanged; when they complain and remind him of his oath, he confirms his promise: they are hanged on a gallows fifty yards high, thus elevating them above all and making them best-known.

Motif References:

M 202 Fulfulling of bargain or promise
K 236 Literal payment of debt (not real)
Q 413.4 Hanging as punishment for murder
J 1141.1 Guilty person deceived into gesture (act) which admits guilt
K 2010.2 Friendship feigned to avenge murder
K 2380 (Hi) Detection of treachery or deceit

SeAlx-3996: The inhabitants of Persia are satisfied by the punishment of the king’s murderers; the nobles propose an uncle of Darius, Duricius, an old, wise man, to be made their duke. Alexander agrees.

Motif References:

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

SeAlx-4020: The next day, Alexander has Roxane brought to him; he announces his wish to marry her and has her crowned empress of Persia. Darius’ wife and mother are happy about the marriage.

Motif References:

T 68.4 Vanquished king gives hero his daughter and control over his kingdom

SeAlx-4055: The Persians are overjoyed about their new king; they say that he is a god and take all their idols from their temples to Alexander. But Alexander forbids them to do so: he is just a mortal, like themselves.

Motif References:

P 12.14 Modesty of king

SeAlx-4074: Alexander invites all nobles of his empire for the wedding; the wedding lasts for forty days, there is jousting, tournaments, dancing and feasting. All guests are presented with precious gifts: gold, furs, velvet and horses from Darius’ hoard of treasures. When the great cities from Asia send gifts to Alexander, he refuses to accept them and sends them home with presents in return.

Motif References:

W 11.2 Munificent monarch
T 136.1 Wedding feast
P 634.4 (Bm) 40 day feast

SeAlx-4134: Alexander sends messages to his mother and his teacher Aristotilis, telling them of his adventures and conquests and his marriage to Darius’ daughter Roxane.

Motif References:

SeAlx-4158: Alexander stays in Persia for a year. Then he assembles an army of Greeks and Persians and starts a military expedition against the neighbor countries. The countries of Hircania and Magalia are conquered, and in Parthia he defeats the Parthians and the Elamites. Alexander then travels to Stichia; the country is surrounded by the sea, only a small road leads into it. After many battles with the inhabitants, he finally defeats them as well.

Motif References:

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

SeAlx-4204: Crossing high mountains, Alexander finds a country inhabited by a terrifying race: the people are evil and use magic and nigromancy, they eat the raw flesh of dogs, snakes, toads and even their own deceased instead of burying them. The peoples are called Gok and Magokch, they are descended from the Jews’ countries. King Salmanasar of Nyniphe has had them imprisoned 400 years ago because of their evil, and God himself cursed their race, as the bible tells us. Alexander, fearful that these monsters should ever reach other countries, has all of them assembled and prays to God to enclose the two tribes. His prayers are answered, a miracle happens: two high mountains move towards each other and enclose the tribes of Gok and Magokch inside the high walls of an impassable mountain range.

Motif References:

R 49 Other places of captivity
V 52 Miraculous power of prayer
V 57 Purpose of prayer
V 59 Prayers answered – miscellaneous
F 510.1 Monstrous races
D 2136.3.1 Mountain moved by prayer

SeAlx-4274: In addition, Alexander has two giant iron gates built; they are treated with assyntiton, to make them indestructible by iron weapons or fire. The tribes will be enclosed in their valley until doomsday, when they will battle Christianity together with the Antichrist.

Motif References:

F 776 Extraordinary gate
A 1002 Doomsday. Catastrophes precede the Day of Judgment.

SeAlx-4296: Alexander and his army reach the Caspian gates that close off India. The mountains seem uncrossable, and there are iron gates and fortifications. Alexander makes camp before the gates, but after a few days he leaves because of the many fearsome snakes that come out at night.

Motif References:

SeAlx-4317: Alexander takes his army to Albania; the inhabitants are a strong and cunning people, who use war-dogs to attack their enemies in battle. These dogs are trained to attack men and horses and they fear no weapons. Alexander works out a ruse: he orders that his warriors have a pig with them on the horse. When the dogs are sent to attack Alexander’s army, the Greeks and Persians drop the squealing pigs to the ground and the dogs attack only the pigs. The Albanian army is no match for Alexander’s without their war-dogs. Many Albanians are killed. Alexander is victorious and invests Persians to rule the country.

Motif References:

B 268.2.1 War-Dogs
P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War
P 550.1.1 (Li) Aggression: rebellion; usurpation; invasion; assault
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
K 2369 Military strategy – miscellaneous

SeAlx-4375: Alexander returns to the Caspian gates and makes camp there to work out a way to enter India. His people bring him an Indian dog that, to their amazement, defeats a lion and an elephant in a fight.

Motif References:

B 16.1.2 Devastating dog (hound)

SeAlx-4393: Albanians lead Alexander and his army on a secret path over the mountains to India. In India, they wander through deserts, swamps and over mountains, seeing many wild beasts unknown to them. In a desert, they suffer from the heat; it is so hot, that any water they find starts to boil in the barrels after some time.

Motif References:

F 935 Extraordinary occurences connected with pond (pool, tank)
F 960 Extraordinary nature phenomena – elements and weather

SeAlx-4421: Alexander’s Greek nobles get restless and discontent; they begin to question their king’s ambition and his insatiable thirst for conquest: they want to go home, since the conquest of Persia and king Darius’ defeat seem to be victory enough. They muse about leaving Alexander with his Persian warriors and want to go home to Greece.

Motif References:

P 551 Army

SeAlx-4461: When Alexander hears of the Greek warriors’ intention to leave him, he assembles his army, Greeks on one side, Persians and other allied warriors on the other side, and addresses his warriors in a speech held from an elevated position. He reminds his men of the letters Darius sent and how he calmed them; how he always fought in the first row among them; how he even entered Darius’ palace in disguise to make their victory possible. He also says that in the many battles, where the odds against them were 20 enemies to one warrior, the gods had always been on his, Alexander’s side.

Motif References:

P 14 Particular practices of kings
W 32 Bravery

SeAlx-4527: Hearing Alexander’s words, the Greeks are ashamed; they ask him to forgive them and swear they will never leave them as long as they live.

Motif References:

M 260 Other promises

SeAlx-4536: Alexander’s army travels on. As it is the hottest time of year, August, Alexander follows the advice of his local guides and makes camp to await the cooler autumn.

Motif References:

P 551 Army

SeAlx-4551: Porrus sends messengers to Alexander with a letter, calling him a robber and ordering him to retreat. Porrus boasts that even the gods are his subjects and reminds Alexander that Macedonia was tributary to India long before the Persian king Xerses. But as Greece was not valuable enough for India, they left it to the Persians.

Motif References:

W 187 Insolence [Self-conceit]
P 550 Military affairs

SeAlx-4589: Alexander’s men are intimidated by Porrus’ letter, but he reminds them of Darius’ letters, which were just as arrogant and haughty. Alexander writes a letter in reply, telling Porrus that if he is addressed as a robber, he will indeed rob Porrus of his country and his honor. Porrus may foolishly think himself to be ruler of men and gods, but nevertheless Alexander will challenge him: if it is God’s will, Porrus will be defeated.

Motif References:

P 556 Challenge to battle

SeAlx-4635: When Porrus reads Alexander’s letter, he is furious. He summons his armies: over 15,000 mounted warriors, innumerable foot-soldiers and 400 war-elephants. Mounted on top of each of these fearsome creatures are small “castles”, holding 30 armed soldiers.

Motif References:

P 552.6 (Tu) Conscription of troops: summoning allies as preparation for war
B 557.11.4 (Bm) Soldiers fight from “castles” on elephant’s backs
F 873.2 Enormous army (camp)

SeAlx-4657: When the Greeks and Persians see the elephants, they are terrified of the mighty animals, but Alexander works out a ruse. He puts red-hot metal statues on iron carriages and sends them against the elephants.

Motif References:

K 2369 Military strategy – miscellaneous

SeAlx-4674: Battle between Indians and Greeks: Alexander has the Persians fight the first attacks and holds back his Greek warriors to support them after the first wave of battle. Alexander fights in the first row. When Porrus sends his war-elephants, they attack the red-hot metal statues with their snouts. When they are burnt, they die or flee. Many Persians and Indians die in the battle.

Motif References:

P 14 Particular practices of kings
P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]
K 2369 Military strategy – miscellaneous

SeAlx-4729: At night, the armies retreat to rest, but the battle rages on the next day, and for another 20 days. When Alexander sees many Medians and Persians die in the battle, he and his Greek warriors fight even more ferociously. Alexander fights like a lion on Puczeval, who also kills many enemies. Its head is so hard that no weapon can wound it. Many Indians are killed, and finally Porrus flees the battlefield. Alexander and his men pursue, kill and capture many fleeing Indians.

Motif References:

R 5 Capture on field of battle
B 15.1 Animal unusual as to his head
B 16.1.3 Devastating horse
R 220 Flights
F 628.2 Strong man kills men

SeAlx-4781: Alexander has his men rest and brings sacrifice to his gods to thank them for the victory. He has all dead buried.

Motif References:

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

SeAlx-4791: While Porrus flees through a desert to the neighbor country, Alexander rests for eight days and then travels to India’s capitol. After a short siege he enters the city and Porrus’ palace. This large palace – which even the holy scriptures praise for its beauty – was built by king Aswerus. 400 chairs of gold are placed in four rows, between two of each of the pillars are grapevines of silver, with golden leaves and grapes of jewels (the blue ones are made of sapphire, the green ones of emerald, the red of rubies, the yellow of pearls). The branches are made of amethyst and crystal. The palace’s walls are ornate with gold, ivory and jewels of all kinds.

Motif References:

F 771 Extraordinary castle (house, palace)
F 813.2.1 Clusters of diamond and emerald grapes
F 815.7.4 (Bm) Silver vines

SeAlx-4851: In front of a chamber made of cypress wood there are 20 pillars on pedestals made of jewels. Between two of each of these pillars are trees of silver; on their branches, there are artfully crafted mechanical birds of all kinds. A sophisticated mechanism powered by the wind makes them sing.

Motif References:

F 811.1.2 Silver tree
F 855.2 Statues animated by water or wind
D 1620.2 Automatic statue of animal

SeAlx-4875: The Greeks also find masses of golden dishes, cutlery and table-ware ornate with jewels in Porrus’ palace. They take the treasures with them.

Motif References:

P 555.0.1 (Si) Booty. The spoils of war

SeAlx-4889: Alexander hears tales of the maiden’s island, a nearby island tributary to India. It is 200 miles long and accessible only by a small strip of land. This island is inhabited only by women, ruled by a queen. The sea surrounding the island is inhabited by strange fish: they are horse-shaped, and domesticated and tamed by the women to ride in battle by day; at night, they return to the sea. Other fish are used as palfreys, while others look like donkeys and are used to plough the fields. All these fish return to the sea at night.

Motif References:

B 71 Sea-horse
F 167.1.4 Other animals in otherworld
B 292.9 Animal as farm laborer
B 401.1 Helpful water-horse
B 557 Unusual animal as riding horse
B 579 Animals serve men otherwise
F 707 Extraordinary kingdom
D 2197 Magic dominance over animals

SeAlx-4936: The women of maidens’ island live separate from their men, who live on a faraway island, at the sea’s end. They dare not enter the maiden’s island for fear of death. Thirty days a year there are festivities for their god Jupiter; during this time, the women visit their men to procreate. The men work as craftsmen and workers, hunters and fishermen, while the women are warriors.

Motif References:

F 112.0.2 Separation of sexes in otherworld
F 565.1 Amazons. Women warriors
F 565.1.2.1 (Bm) Amazons go to men’s island three months a year to procreate
F 610.0.1 Remarkably strong woman

SeAlx-4967: The amazons’ weapons are made of silver, but harder than steel. This is because of a special river on their island: if its water is poured over silver, it becomes extraordinarily hard.

Motif References:

F 830.1 Silver weapon
D 1242.1 Magic water
D 1788.1 Magic results from contact with water

SeAlx-4975: Beside the sea-horses, the amazons have ordinary horses as well; these are faster than all others. If an amazon shoots an arrow from horseback, she can easily catch it again before it falls to earth.

Motif References:

F 989.17 Marvelously swift horse

SeAlx-4993: The queen of maiden’s island is called Calistrida, the country is Amason, the women Amasones (Amazons). Alexander writes a letter to Calistrida, demanding tribute and reminding her of his conquests of Persia and India.

Motif References:

P 532 Payment of tax (tribute) [toll]
F 565.1 Amazons. Women warriors

SeAlx-5029: The Amazon queen writes a letter in reply, counseling Alexander not to invade her kingdom to force them to pay tribute. If he should invade Amazon, Alexander will have to fight the Amazon warrior-women. Salistria then again describes the Amazon way of life to Alexander, most of it is already known to him: They live on an island, 100,000 women trained to fight like men; another island nearby is inhabited only by men who can not enter the women’s island, as they would die at once. Women visit men’s island a month every year. If they want to, the women can stay there for a year. Male infants are only kept in the Amazon country for seven years, girls are raised by their mothers to become warrior women as well. The Amazon women are adored by their men for their brave fighting. Defeating the mighty Alexander will earn the Amazons fame and honor, he will not win much honor by defeating them, since it will be considered a victory over women.

Motif References:

F 565.1 Amazons. Women warriors
C 617 Forbidden country [on island]
C 619.4 Tabu- women [men] to be on certain island
C 921 Immediate death for breaking tabu

SeAlx-5133: When Alexander reads Calistrida’s letter he laughs and sends a reply. He tells them that he has already conquered three parts of the world (Asia, Europe, Africa) and that they will lose their lives and their land if they choose to oppose him in battle. He swears by his gods Amon and Inmerna that, if they decide to pay him the same tribute they paid India, no harm will come to them. In addition he asks to be sent any number of Amazon women on horseback for his army; he promises to treat them honorably and they will be allowed to return to their island at any time.

Motif References:

M 150 Other vows and oaths
M 200 Bargains and promises

SeAlx-5193: Calistrida and her warrior women have council. They agree to send Alexander the tribute he asks for: 200 maidens in arms and on horseback and 30 additional horses. Alexander’s messengers are given armor and swords as presents.

Motif References:

P 531 Taxation and payment of fines and tribute

SeAlx-5221: Alexander orders his marshal to give the maidens anything they desire. Their accommodations are to be near his, Alexander’s, tent, and no men may approach their quarters after sunset. The Amazons take part in all kinds of entertainment with the men: they play chess, dance and sing, exercise and play games. Many knights would have surely liked to embrace one of the maidens as her lover, but none would have dared compete against them in battle. Alexander orders the Amazons to be his personal guards in battle.

Motif References:

P 551 Army
P 552 Battle formations

SeAlx-5271: Alexander is informed that Porrus assembles another army in Wactania. He breaks camp and leaves, taking 100 local guides with his army. Their journey takes them through a desert, and he and his men suffer greatly from the animals of the desert, the thirst and the heat, especially as Alexander has the men march in their armor. One day, a Greek warrior finds some water in a hollow stone; in his helm he takes it to Alexander. But he refuses to drink since there is only enough for himself and spills it on the ground. He does not want to be privileged to his warriors, and they admire his virtue and honor. The army travels by day and night.

Motif References:

P 12 Character of kings

SeAlx-5329: The next morning the army reaches a river, its banks are covered with long reeds thick as beehives for the width of two arrow shots. The water of the river is bitter and undrinkable. Especially the many animals led with the army suffer from thirst: 1000 elephants, carrying the treasures (with another 400 carriages for treasure), 100,000 horses for battle, 1200 pigs, innumerable camels, cattle, goats and pigs as provisions. The Greeks have become so rich that they do not bother to take all the treasures with them.

Motif References:

SeAlx-5371: Both men and animals suffer from thirst, many animals die. Some warriors lick iron, others drink oil or their own urine to quench their thirst. For fear of attack they have to ride in their armor.

Motif References:

F 959.7 (Bm) Men bite cold steel to assuage thirst in drought [desert]

SeAlx-5386: At noon the army reaches a castle made of reed; it is on a small island surrounded by deep water. Alexander has his guides call out in Indian and ask the inhabitants where drinkable water can be found, but they refuse to answer. First Alexander has crossbows shot at the castle, but to no avail; then he has 36 young warriors, without their armor and unsheathed swords, swim to the castle. But all of them are killed and eaten after a quarter of the way by hippopotamuses.

Motif References:

B 768.5 (Bm) Hippopotamus as cannibal

SeAlx-5431: The army travels on all day, looking for drinkable water. Bears, lions, tigers, rhinoceroses, leopards and panthers attack the warriors all day. At night, they finally find a large lake, three miles long and one mile wide, with sweet water. Alexander has a camp-place cleared of reed and makes camp by the lake. He orders big fires to be lit and to have guards through the whole night.

Motif References:

B 16.2 Devastating wild animals
N 785 Adventures from seeking water

SeAlx-5469: After sunset, however, fearsome animals approach the camp; they want to drink from the water place, where Alexander made camp. Large poisonous snakes, their bodies thick as a man’s leg, attack, swaying their bodies upright.

Motif References:

B 765.15 Snakes stand up, whistle
B 776.7 Venomous serpent
B 875.1 Giant serpent

SeAlx-5483: Next, turtles and giant dragons approach the water from the mountains to drink. Their hissing and roaring fills the night, scaring the warriors. Alexander encourages his men and tells them to do what he does: with sword and shield he approaches the beasts, slaying many of them. His men do the same, and many snakes and dragons are killed and thrown into the fires. 50 of the Greeks are killed, 20 warriors and 30 servants.

Motif References:

B 11.11 Fight with dragon

SeAlx-5515: Giant crawfish, whose hard shells can not be pierced with swords, attack the men who camp by the water place. Since their shells are unpierceable, many are thrown into the fires and killed that way. The rest flee.

Motif References:

B 15.7.10 Animal unusual as to skin
B 268.14 Giant crabs attack army
B 745.1 (Bm) Crabs, invulnerable to swords, routed by fire
B 876.2.1 Giant crab

SeAlx-5531: At midnight, white lions approach the camp with fearsome roaring. They are killed by Alexander’s men with spears.

Motif References:

B 731.15 (Bm) White lion

SeAlx-5549: Giant wild boars, with hard bristles a yard long afflict the camping warriors.Together with the boars, animal-like wild people attack the army. They have six arms each, carrying maces. Alexander and his men defend their camp, killing the attackers.

Motif References:

B 15.7.10 Animal unusual as to skin
B 16.1.4.1 Giant devastating boar
F 516.2 People with many arms
B 871.1.2 Giant boar

SeAlx-5573: A giant animal, large as an elephant, with an enormous head and three sharp horns attacks Alexander’s men. The beast kills 80 men before it can be slain.

Motif References:

B 15.1 Animal unusual as to his head
B 15.3.1 Many-horned animal
B 19.12 (Bm) Mythical beast, size of elephant, black head, three horns in forehead

SeAlx-5597: Ants, larger than foxes, with sharp teeth approach the camp by the waterplace. Their bite is poisonous, and they are known to eat anything, man and animal. Fortunately these creatures do not attack.

Motif References:

B 16.6.1 Giant man-eating ants
B 776 Venomous animals
B 873.4 Giant ant

SeAlx-5609: Giant bats attack the army, they are larger than ravens and kill many men with their sharp bite. They attack the men’s eyes, nose and ears.

Motif References:

B 31.4 Giant bats

SeAlx-5627: At dawn large flocks of birds are watched settling on the water. These birds look like vultures, with red plumage and black beaks and feet. They fish in the lake without attacking the army. The attacks of the night were only caused by the great heat, as the animals also were looking for water to drink.

Motif References:

B 878.1 Giant flock of birds

SeAlx-5651: The next day, the army travels on to Bactania; they are welcomed by the inhabitants and rest for 20 days. A people of the country called Settes are masters of tailoring; they work with the finest cloth and furs. The warriors regain their strength.

Motif References:

P 441 Tailors

SeAlx-5677: After some rest Alexander takes his army to king Porrus, who has assembled a mighty army. The armies advance towards each other, and a furious battle begins. Alexander fights in the first row on Puczeval. When Porrus realizes the great losses on both sides, he demands a temporary truce. Porrus and Alexander meet between the armies, and Porrus proposes a single combat to spare the lives of their men. Both armies should be subjected to the winner in the single combat.

Motif References:

P 556.0.1 (Bm) Challenge to single combat [feud]
P 558 (Bm) Truce
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]

SeAlx-5757: Porrus proposes to fight on foot, as Puczeval is a fearsome beast, more sea-monster than horse. Alexander agrees. Porrus reckons the small Alexander will be no match for him on foot. Single combat begins, soon their shields are shattered from the force of their blows. When a great shout rises from the Indian army, Porrus is distracted. Immediately, Alexander jumps on his head and showers him with blows, finally beheading the king of India.

Motif References:

F 535 Remarkably small man (Pygmie)
P 550.2 (Li) Single combat
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]
K 2369 Military strategy – miscellaneous

SeAlx-5804: When the Indians see their king dead, they start to fight again. Alexander reminds them of the agreement. An Indian warrior replies to Alexander that they fight for fear of their families’ destiny under Alexander’s reign. Alexander promises that no harm will come to them if they stop fighting him. The Indians surrender, praising Alexander’s honor.

Motif References:

R 75 Surrendering
M 200 Bargains and promises

SeAlx-5845: Alexander makes camp on the battlefield; he thanks his gods, giving sacrifice, and has all dead buried.

Motif References:

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

SeAlx-5855: Alexander has Porrus buried in a sumptuous grave with many treasures; his corpse is embalmed and laid in a coffin made of a transparent jewel. By his head, a lamp made of rubies is put; filled with balm and a wick of asbestos, this lamp burns forever.

Motif References:

P 683 (Bm) Embalming
F 809.7 Transparent stone
F 852.1 Glass coffin
D 1652.6 Ever-burning lamp

SeAlx-5883: Alexander has a city erected around Porrus’ grave. He donates many treasures to it and has it called Alexandria. Alexander camps until the fortifications of the city are finished; he makes it the capital city of his empire.

Motif References:

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

SeAlx-5903: The author explains why Alexander could understand and speak to all the foreign kings easily: the Egyptians, the Persians, the Jews and the Indians. This is because the city of Athens in Greece was always famous for its wise men and philosophers; the seven arts were found and described here in the Greek language. The nobles of all kingdoms sent for Greek masters to educate their children in these arts, and thus Greek became a common language among the educated. Later the mighty Romans had wise men translate many Greek books into Latin; these books are still read today, and Latin has replaced Greek as the common language of the educated.

Motif References:

SeAlx-5991: Alexander wants to travel to the ends of the world. On his journey he finds two golden pillars, each 12 yards tall and two yards wide. Alexander has holes drilled in these pillars and finds them to be of massive gold. With the metal of 2000 gulden he has the holes closed again. These pillars were erected by Hercules as a sign of his honor and his travels to this country, which he had named Gades.

Motif References:

A 984 Pillars of Hercules at Gibraltar set up by Hercules.
H 1371.1 Quest for world’s end

SeAlx-6021: Alexander takes his army to a high mountain; the enemies of Alexander from all his conquered kingdoms have fortified themselves on this mighty rock. When Alexander is told that Hercules himself was unable to conquer this rock because of earthquakes, he attacks and besieges it with special zeal and ambition. Finally he succeeds and the rock is conquered.

Motif References:

P 557.0.4 (Li) Siege
F 759 Extraordinary mountains and valleys – miscellaneous

SeAlx-6055: Alexander travels to the ends of the world and subjects the wild people of Dochas and Corastinas. The savage peoples Restas, Chankaidas, Persidias and Chathenas are also defeated by Alexander.

Motif References:

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

SeAlx-6075: The savage people of Cophides assemble an army of 200,000 warriors on horses; as the Greek forces are worn out and sick, Alexander barely manages to defeat them in battle. The army rests after this battle; sacrifices to the gods are made to thank for the victory.

Motif References:

V 11.9 Sacrifice to deity
P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]

SeAlx-6095: Alexander travels to the mountain range of the Cankasus, subjecting all peoples living there. The mountains are so high that the highest peaks nearly touch the moon. Wise men write that it is the highest range of mountains in the world; its walls mark the end of the world. Master Boecius writes that tales of Alexander’s deeds and of the lands this side of the mountains never pass the high peaks.

Motif References:

F 55 Mountain reaches to sky [moon]
F 145 Mountains at borders of otherworld

SeAlx-6119: The incredible heat in India is cooled off near the Cankasus because of its shadow and cool breezes; at the foot of the mountains the air is sweet and pure. The mountains are rich with gold, and griffins come and collect the gold during the whole year. Many people wash the rivers coming out of the mountains for gold and gain wealth by it. Alexander conquers and subjects all people there.

Motif References:

B 42.0.1 (Hi) Griffin’s gold

SeAlx-6165: Alexander travels on, wanting to reach the world’s end. He reaches an island; the climate is so cold, that one certain valley is uninhabitable at day or night because of the extreme cold. This place is called the polus antarcticus.

Motif References:

F 704 Land of cold and mist
H 1371.1 Quest for world’s end

SeAlx-6177: The king of the antarctic land, Ambryas, refuses to surrender is city to Alexander. The city is besieged with war machines, but the defenders wound and kill many Greeks with poisoned arrows.

Motif References:

P 552.4 War-machines
P 557.0.4 (Li) Siege
F 831.3 Poisoned arrows

SeAlx-6201: The god Amon visits Alexander in a dream, showing him a certain herb; he says that this herb, boiled in wine, will cure his men of the poison. The next day, Alexander has the herb gathered and does as Amon counseled, and his poisoned warriors are cured. Alexander conquers the city and kills all inhabitants; he has the city destroyed.

Motif References:

S 110.10 (Bm) City and inhabitants willfully destroyed
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
F 959.6 Marvelous cure for poison
D 1515.1 Remedies for poison
D 1731.2.3 (Bm) Dream of visit by god
D 1814.3 Advice from God (or the gods)

SeAlx-6229: Alexander travels on and reaches the river Physon, a river running out of paradise. The river is full of golden nuggets and jewels. Following the river upstream, Alexander reaches a wall which is so high that its top disappears in the clouds.

Motif References:

F 148 Wall around otherworld
F 162.2.1 The four rivers of paradise
F 715 Extraordinary river
F 777 (Bm) Extraordinary wall
H 1257 Quest for the location of paradise

SeAlx-6248: Alexander travels along this wall until he reaches a gate, guarded by an angel with a fiery sword. Alexander kneels down and asks his name; the angel replies that his name is Michael and that he is God’s servant and messenger. He advises Alexander to withdraw his army from the gates, as no mortal may enter the paradise.

Motif References:

F 156 Door to otherworld
A 182.3 God (angel) speaks to mortal
V 246 Angel counsels mortal
F 833.4 Fiery sword

SeAlx-6289: The angel Michael gives Alexander a token of his journey to this place: from the wall he breaks a stone and tells Alexander that this stone can not be overweighed by anything if placed on a scale. This stone signifies God’s power, which will never be outweighed by any deeds of Alexander.

Motif References:

Z 100 Symbolism
H 614 Explanation of enigmatic phenomenon
F 809 Other extraordinary stones
D 931 Magic rock (stone)
D 1682 Magic jewel which outweighs many heavy objects in the scale

SeAlx-6311: Alexander leaves the gates of paradise; when he tries to outweigh the stone with any other substance, Michael’s words are proven correct. A wise old man covers the stone with earth, and suddenly a single feather is heavier than the stone. When Alexander asks for an explanation of this phenomenon, the wise man answers that the stone signifies Alexander himself: during his lifetime nothing will equal his power, but soon after his death (when he is covered by earth) he will be forgotten and esteemed little.

Motif References:

Z 100 Symbolism
H 614 Explanation of enigmatic phenomenon

SeAlx-6375: Alexander travels on, finally reaching the red sea. Alexander climbs a high mountain; on its top, he muses how he could rise higher than any man before him. He descends the mountain and calls for the best craftsmen. He orders them to build him a vehicle (a box of wood and iron with a strong cage around it), and has two hungry griffins harnessed to it. On a long pole, Alexander fixes food and water for the animals, causing them to lift the vehicle and take Alexander into the air. Alexander’s doctors have prepared a special device, a lectuarium, to nourish and strengthen him. Alexander rises into the sky; the moon appears like a fiery mountain, and the earth, surrounded by the sea, looks as small as a duck on lake. God’s power sends them plummeting back to earth; Alexander lands safely, but in a distance of seven days’ journey from his army. He journeys back and is welcomed by his men.

Motif References:

P 15.6 King descends to bottom of sea in glass barrel to study ways of fishes [ascends to the sky by griffins]
B 42 Griffin
F 60 Transportation to or from upper world
L 421 Attempt to fly to heaven punished
H 1371.5 (Hi) Quest for the sky

SeAlx-6489: Next, Alexander plans to explore the sea. He has a glass barrel built by craftsmen and alchemists and travels to sea with a few of his warriors. On a strong chain he descends into the ocean. Here, he sees marvelous fish and creatures, some fish also walk on feet on the ocean floor; the world under the sea is like the world on earth, with mountains, trees and fruit. After some time, his men lift him out of the water again, and Alexander tells his men all the things he has seen.

Motif References:

P 15.6 King descends to bottom of sea in glass barrel to study ways of fishes [ascends to the sky by griffins]
F 133.0.1 (Bm) Journey to bottom of sea
F 133.1 Marine counterpart to land
F 1022.1 Descent into ocean in glass box
H 1371.2 Quest for the bottom of the sea
K 1966 Alchemist

SeAlx-6545: Some people tell the lie that Alexander had asked Roxane to hold the chain while he explored the submarine world, and that she had dropped it into the sea. This is untrue because the empress was at that time in Persia and, furthermore, the chains would have been too heavy to hold for her (100 warriors held it).

Motif References:

SeAlx-6563: Alexander travels on by the shores of the red sea; he comes to a land which is inhabited by fearsome unicorns; they attack and pierce the warriors’ shields with their sharp horns. Many unicorns are killed, the rest flee.

Motif References:

B 13 Unicorn

SeAlx-6577: In the next country which Alexander crosses, mainly pepper-shrubs grow. It is inhabited by giant snakes, which have two ram’s horns. The warriors they attack with these horns die immediately.

Motif References:

B 91.3 Horned snake
B 875.1 Giant serpent

SeAlx-6593: Alexander travels on; in another country, his army is attacked by cenopuli, these creatures look like large horses, with fearsome teeth and fiery breath. After hard fighting the monsters flee; many Greeks are killed, but ten times more of the monsters are slain in the battle.

Motif References:

B 19 Other mythical beasts
F 544.3 Remarkable teeth
B 742 Animal breathes fire

SeAlx-6615: The army reaches a river and crosses it at a sandy ford, where they make camp. At dawn the next day, giant ants, large as dogs, emerge from the sandy ground. They have fearsome teeth and six legs and attack and kill many animals of Alexander’s army. These ants are also known to dig for gold; they sleep during the night and emerge at dawn, attacking everything they find. The inhabitants of these lands hide during the day in solid towers and dig for the ants’ gold at night, just as all other work is done at night for fear of the ants.

Motif References:

B 16.6.1 Giant man-eating ants
F 569 Unusual manner of life – miscellaneous
B 756 Gold-digging ants
B 873.4 Giant ant

SeAlx-6675: Alexander reaches a narrow valley between two mountains. The inhabitants of the region tell him that the path through the valley is blocked by magic: anyone entering the valley must die. Alexander sends some warriors into the valley, and they die immediately. A second group of warriors is killed just the same.

Motif References:

D 7 Enchanted valley
F 151.1 Perilous [narrow] path to otherworld.
C 617 Forbidden country [on island]
C 921 Immediate death for breaking tabu

SeAlx-6705: Aristotiles, sent to accompany Alexander by his mother, counsels Alexander to have a movable wooden tower constructed and placed on a hill overlooking the valley. Equipped with a mirror of polished steel, Aristotiles climbs the tower and surveys the valley. In his mirror he discovers a basilisk; the basilisk is so poisonous that even its gaze kills any creature immediately. He dismounts the tower and, at Aristotiles’ council, Alexander has 80 shields of polished steel made. Alexander leads 80 warriors into the valley, and the basilisk is killed by his own reflection in the mirror-like shields. Aristotiles has a horse driven into the valley to verify the death of the monster. Fires are lit in the valley to drive away the monster’s stench.

Motif References:

B 12 Basilisk
B 12.2 Basisilisk’s fatal glance
B 12.3 Basilisk killed by seeing own image
J 50 Wisdom (knowledge) acquired from observation
F 839.2 Extraordinary shield

SeAlx-6801: Traveling through the valley, Alexander reaches a wide plain. Making camp, the army is attacked by Cyclopes (Cicopes). They are large as giants and have only a single eye. After a hard fight, the Cyclopes are defeated, but many Greeks die.

Motif References:

F 531.1.1.1 Giant with one eye in middle of forehead [Cyclops]

SeAlx-6829: Traveling on, Alexander reaches a large body of water. On an island, the Greeks see headless people; their mouths, eyes and ears are on their chest, they are 12 yards tall and seven wide. Their bodies have a golden color.

Motif References:

F 167.5 Headless people in otherworld
F 511.0.1.1 Headless person with eyes (eye) and mouth on breast
F 527 Person of unusual color
F 531.1.2.1 Headless giant

SeAlx-6843: Travelling on, Alexander and his army encounter strange animals in a forest: they are large, with horse’s bodies and lions’ feet. They are 30 feet tall and 12 wide.

Motif References:

B 99 Mythical animals – miscellaneous

SeAlx-6857: Alexander makes camp on plain, when suddenly his faithful horse Puczeval dies. He laments its death and has a grave prepared. Around the grave Alexander has a castle erected and named Puczeval in honor of his horse.

Motif References:

Z 201.1 (Bm) Hero’s famous horse
Z 703 (Bm) Eponymous account of city’s founding

SeAlx-6897: Alexander reaches a beautiful country near a mighty mountain-range. A river flows out of the mountain, and the inhabitants of the country tell Alexander of the country of the river’s source: it is the best and richest kingdom, called Gramania. It is impenetrably defended by the ring-sea on three sides and by the mighty mountain-range on the fourth side. Only a small mountain road, fortified and well-defended, leads into the kingdom. The people of Gramania are extraordinarily virtuous and always keep their word. The kingdom is ruled by a virtuous and clever queen, but her two brothers oppose her rule.

Motif References:

P 20.1 Clever queen
F 145 Mountains at borders of otherworld
F 707 Extraordinary kingdom

SeAlx-6961: Alexander plans to subject Gramania to his rule; he tells his council that he will deliver a message to the queen of Gramania himself, disguised as his own messenger.

Motif References:

K 1812.15 King disguised as own messenger

SeAlx-6985: Alexander writes a letter to the queen of Gramania, demanding tribute and subjection under his rule. He reminds her of his victories over India and all other kings. He threatens to invade and destroy the country; the people of Gramania could only flee into the sea if they choose to oppose Alexander.

Motif References:

M 500 (Bm) Threats
P 532 Payment of tax (tribute) [toll]

SeAlx-7009: Alexander disguises himself as a court-messenger and travels to Gramania. The guards at the mountain-road let him pass; the mountain walls are extraordinarily high and steep. It takes him three days to finally reach Gramania. The country is beautiful, the castles are of marble of different colors, many ornate with sculptures and gold. The country is fertile and the woods are full of game.

Motif References:

P 14.15.2 Court messenger
F 759 Extraordinary mountains and valleys – miscellaneous
F 771 Extraordinary castle (house, palace)
K 1812.15 King disguised as own messenger

SeAlx-7069: Alexander, asking the inhabitants the way, reaches the capital city of Gramania. Taking quarters at the city’s best inn, he is treated with great hospitality. The innkeeper answers Alexander’s questions and counsels him to go to the queen the next morning. Alexander’s quarters are prepared with fine linens and silken covers.

Motif References:

P 320 Hospitality

SeAlx-7107: At dawn, Alexander is accompanied to the palace by his host, the wealthy innkeeper; the guards let the two enter, and the queen asks Alexander’s host the reason for this visit. He introduces Alexander to her as a foreign messenger, presumably of nobility. The queen grants Alexander an audience.

Motif References:

SeAlx-7129: Years ago, the clever queen of Gramania, having heard of Alexander’s conquests, had sent a painter to Alexander in India. This painter, disguised as a merchant, had brought her a portrait of Alexander, which she hung in her bedroom, covered with a cloth of silk.

Motif References:

P 482 Painter (artist)
K 2370 Miscellaneous deceptions

SeAlx-7169: Alexander, disguised as his messenger, delivers the message to the queen of Gramania: either she subjects her kingdom to Alexander, or he will attack her. The queen recognizes the messenger to be Alexander and asks him to follow her to her chamber; she wants to ask her counselors first.

Motif References:

P 20.1 Clever queen
H 21 Recognition through picture
M 500 (Bm) Threats

SeAlx-7196: The queen takes Alexander to her chamber; the floor is of alabaster, the walls are of ivory ornate with gold and jewels. The ceiling is of aromatic aloe-wood; gems embedded in the ceiling give the impression of a starlit sky. Two golden pillars in the chamber hold two large carbuncles which shine brightly at night. When Alexander sees his portrait, he realizes that he is recognized. The queen tells him that he is her prisoner; all his military achievements are now vain, as he has fallen into a woman’s power without fighting.

Motif References:

L 419 Proud ruler (deity) humbled – miscellaneous
K 778 Capture through the wiles of a woman
F 781 Extraordinary rooms
D 1645.1 Incandescent jewel

SeAlx-7265: The queen of Gramania assures Alexander safety; she will not reveal his identity and set him free. In return, she asks to be spared the tribute. In addition she asks Alexander for help: her two brothers want to dethrone her, he should try to reconcile the siblings. She gives him directions where to find her brothers. Alexander leaves the city and rides to the castle of the queen’s brothers.

Motif References:

M 200 Bargains and promises
P 251.5.3 Hostile [half-] brothers
N 838 Hero (culture hero) as helper
K 2211 Treacherous [half-]brother. Usually elder brother

SeAlx-7320: Alexander meets the queen’s brothers standing at their castle’s gate. He delivers a message from Alexander to them: they should subject themselves to his rule or, as Alexander has vowed, be drowned in the sea. The brothers refuse and threaten to hang the messenger in return, but Alexander proposes a ruse in exchange for his life: if the brothers will reconcile themselves with their sister, he will put Alexander’s life in their hands within a month. This he swears by his gods (oaths in the name of the gods have to be fulfilled; if broken, the breaker of the oath will be punished and shamed by others).

Motif References:

M 101 Punishment for broken oaths
M 119.2 Swearing by (clan) gods
M 150 Other vows and oaths
K 199 Other deceptive bargains
Q 428 Punishment: drowning
M 500 (Bm) Threats
K 1810 Deception by disguise

SeAlx-7389: The brothers of the queen of Gramania agree to Alexander’s plan. They ride to their sister and swear loyalty to her, telling her of the messenger’s bargain.

Motif References:

W 34 Loyalty

SeAlx-7405: The next morning, Alexander, still disguised as his own messenger, asks leave of the queen; she accompanies him for a while with her brothers. She gives Alexander a black horse with a saddle of ivory, ornate with jewels, as a present. After half a day’s journey, Alexander leaves their company. He puts his head into the brothers’ hands, again assuring them of their bargain: the life of Alexander in their hands. With this, he has fulfilled his oath. Alexander returns to his army, telling them of his adventure.

Motif References:

M 205.0.1 Promise kept [oath fulfilled] in deed, not in spirit
P 324 Host greets guest with gifts [Welcome and parting gifts]
F 868 Extraordinary saddle
K 2312 Oath literally obeyed

SeAlx-7481: Alexander sends four knights as messengers to Gramania with a letter, revealing the identity of the messenger and the fulfillment of the oath to the brothers. He invites the queen and her brothers to meet him at his camp.

Motif References:

P 14.15.2 Court messenger

SeAlx-7511: The queen of Gramania and her brothers accept Alexander’s invitation. Alexander welcomes them warmly, showing them his army camp, his treasures, and also the stone from paradise. His guests are awed by his treasures and the power of his army. The queen of Gramania offers tribute, but Alexander, true to his promise, declines. When granted a wish, the queen’s brothers, overawed by Alexander’s power and believing him to be a god, wish for eternal life. Alexander answers that he can not grant this wish; because he himself is mortal. Thereupon one of them asks him what sense there is in Alexander’s worldly achievements, if he has to die. The queen and her brothers leave Alexander; wine and provisions are sent from Gramania as presents.

Motif References:

W 11 Generosity
M 202 Fulfulling of bargain or promise
P 320 Hospitality
J 1262 Repartee based on doctrinal discussions

SeAlx-7587: Alexander travels on with his army, reaching a river called “the sun”. The inhabitants of the country welcome Alexander and eagerly accept him as their sovereign. They hurry to give him 1000 elephants in order to carry his suits of armor and furthermore 100,000 carriages filled with provisions (his further journey will take him through the large Babylonian desert.). Alexander refuses to accept tribute from the country, he only asks for 40 local guides to lead him through the desert.

Motif References:

P 533 Feudal tribute

SeAlx-7625: After seven days of journey in the Babylonian desert, Alexander’s army is attacked by giant two-headed snakes and small, monkey-like creatures with sharp venomous horns and eight eyes in the front and back of their heads.

Motif References:

B 15.1.2.1.1 Two-headed serpent
B 15.3.4 Animal usually harmless has horns
B 15.4.1 Many-eyed animal
B 17.1 Hostile beasts
B 776 Venomous animals
B 875.1 Giant serpent

SeAlx-7655: Crossing the desert, Alexander arrives at a large castle on a beautiful plain. The lord of this castle, called the hall of Verses (Xerxes), welcomes Alexander and accepts him as his sovereign and feudal lord.

Motif References:

P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king

SeAlx-7675: Alexander and his nobles are led into the castle. The castle, built by emperor Verses, is richly decorated with gold, silver, jewels and ivory and was built for the emperor and his wives.

Motif References:

F 771 Extraordinary castle (house, palace)

SeAlx-7693: In Verses’ hall there are many white doves; if one of these birds is brought before a sick man, the bird will either turn away or face him, thus indicating the certain death or cure of the person.

Motif References:

B 143.0.6 Dove as prophetic bird

SeAlx-7707: Alexander travels on; with rafts his army crosses the river Euphrates and ride towards Babylon. The inhabitants welcome him and his army takes quarters in the large city. Alexander announces that he intends to stay there for a few years. After seven years on military expedition, Alexander’s men enjoy the break.

Motif References:

P 320 Hospitality

SeAlx-7755: In Babylon, many messengers of various peoples have expected Alexander’s arrival: messengers of France, Spain, England, Campanye, Sicily, Sardinia and many other kingdoms have been sent to offer tribute and accept Alexander as feudal lord, thanks to his fearsome reputation. Alexander orders all of his liege men and vassals from all over his empire to appear before him in Babylon within a year to be invested with their fiefs and to bring their tribute.

Motif References:

P 14.15.2 Court messenger
P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]

SeAlx-7799: Alexander sends some of his nobles to Persia to accompany his wife Roxane to Babylon, to meet her again after three years. Roxane prepares for the journey and travels to Babylon accompanied by 700 Persian maidens of noble birth. Those are each protected and cared for by a handsome warrior. Alexander rides towards the approaching empress and her retinue, welcoming his wife with an embrace and a kiss. The meeting is celebrated with courtly entertainments (jousting, dancing, tournaments, music). The whole city of Babylon is decorated to celebrate the event, and Roxane is seated on a throne beside Alexander.

Motif References:

P 634 Feasts

SeAlx-7896: Alexander writes letters to Olympias and Aristotilis, telling of his conquests and voyages to the end of the world and to paradise. They reply, praising his deeds and the bravery of his warriors. They compare Alexander’s endeavors and achievements to those of the gods.

Motif References:

SeAlx-7969: For a whole year Alexander resides in Babylon with his nobles and his wife. They spend their time with various courtly pastimes and entertainments: jousting, dancing, hunting with dogs and falcons (deer, boars, ducks, pheasants).

Motif References:

SeAlx-8005: The nobles of all Alexander’s kingdoms travel to Babylon to be invested with their fiefs and bring tribute. Alexander treats his noble guests hospitably and shows them the city. Many marvelous items are given to Alexander as tribute: clothes of the finest silks and furs, horses, dogs, birds of prey and countless jewels. For half a year Alexander welcomes his vassals. Finally, the oaths of allegiance are sworn to Alexander, and a public peace is announced.

Motif References:

P 19 Other motifs connected with kings
P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]
M 100.0.1 (Li) Oath of allegiance
P 532 Payment of tax (tribute) [toll]
P 533 Feudal tribute

SeAlx-8063: For eight years Alexander orders and administers his empire from Babylon. His court is generous and just.

Motif References:

SeAlx-8073: One day, a beggar approaches Alexander in the street and asks for a penny. Alexander generously offers to make the man governor of a whole city. But the beggar refuses, since he fears the task will be too much for him; Alexander, remarking on the honorability of generosity, gives the pauper 10 marks of gold.

Motif References:

W 11 Generosity
W 11.2 Munificent monarch
Q 66 Humility rewarded
J 900 Humility

SeAlx-8095: Alexander orders his craftsmen to build two pillars of solid gold, 30 feet tall and 4 feet wide. He has all of his deeds and adventures engraved into the pillars; one is placed in Babylon, the second is sent to be erected in Persia.

Motif References:

SeAlx-8119: At the time Alexander is in Babylon, a woman gives birth to a child that is human from head to navel, but animal below the navel. The upper, human half is dead, the lower, animal half is alive. When Alexander sees the child, he sends for his wise man. That one tells him that the monster is a sign of his forthcoming death: The dead human half signifies Alexander’s imminent death, the living animal half the kings that are to succeed Alexander; they can not be compared to Alexander’s glory.

Motif References:

F 526 Person with compound body
T 551.5 Child born half man, half fish [animal]
D 1812.5.1.1 Prodigy as evil omen

SeAlx-8183: When Alexander hears the interpretation of his wise man, he is saddened but keeps the prophecy secret from his nobles. He prays to Jupiter, asking to remain with him after his death.

Motif References:

V 50 Prayer

SeAlx-8203: At the same time, a Greek noble named Ancipater plots to murder Alexander. Olympias, aware of this, warns Alexander of the traitor. Ancipater has a deadly poison prepared by a doctor and instructs his son Cassander to take the poisonous drink to his other son Jobas, who is Alexander’s trusted chamberlain in Babylon. The poison is so strong that no glass can hold it; it is kept in a steel vessel. Cassander takes the poison to Babylon and gives it to his brother Jobas.

Motif References:

K 2247 Treacherous lord [vassal]

SeAlx-8259: Alexander has a dream in which Cassander pierces him with a sword. His wise men interpret the dream and tell Alexander that Cassander can not be trusted.

Motif References:

D 1810.8.3 Warning in dreams
D 1812.3.3.0.4 (Bm) Interpretation of dream by second party
D 1812.5.1.2 Bad dream as evil omen

SeAlx-8277: One day, Alexander unjustly punishes Jobas by hitting him on the head. Angered, Jobas sends for Cassander and receives the poison. He vows to kill Alexander. One night, when Alexander is feasting with his companions, Jobas serves him the poisoned wine. Alexander empties the cup thirstily; soon the poison starts to take effect, and he shouts out in pain. He is brought to his chamber and asks his companions to continue their meal, but they wait outside his chamber. The treacherous Jobas also poisons the feather Alexander demands to put down his throat, and so he is poisoned even more.

Motif References:

S 111 Murder by poisoning
M 391 Fulfillment of prophecy
K 929.1 Murder by (leaving) poisoned wine
K 2248 Treacherous minister

SeAlx-8357: Alexander is in agony from the poison, shouting with pain in the night. He asks one of his servant boys to open the door of his chamber, leading to the river Ewfrates, and crawls out on all fours with a candle. He intends to cool his feverish body in the river, or, failing that, to drown himself secretly. Roxane notices him and urges him not to commit suicide for her and his unborn child’s sake. She tells him to make his will and testament.

Motif References:

J 628 Dissuasion from suicide

SeAlx-8421: Alexander sends for his scribe Symeon and dictates his will and testament in the presence of Pertolomeus, his brother Arideus and Roxane. He has them swear to honor and enforce his last will. Alexander’s wants to be buried in Alexandria, the priests of the city shall receive thousand pounds of gold. Roxane shall be ruler of his entire empire, if her child is a girl, they should marry her to a man they find suitable as their king. Pertolomeus shall be his empire’s keeper (pfleger) and ruler of Egypt, Affrica and Arabia; he should take Caliopatra as a wife. Alexander then distributes the countries of his empire to his trusted dukes and friends; he also entrusts Ancipater, Jobas and Cassander with land, ignorant of their treason. Hychioca and Gramania shall remain free and chose their own regents. He also orders all prisoners and exiled persons to be pardoned and reinstated in their old rights.

Motif References:

P 16.0.1 (Bm) Regicide

SeAlx-8567: When Alexander has finished dictating his testament, a terrible thunderstorm starts; the thunder, lightning, hail and wind shake the city of Babylon.

Motif References:

F 960.2 Extraordinary nature phenomena at death of holy [pious] person (hero)
F 968 Extraordinary thunder and lightning

SeAlx-8579: The thunderstorm causes rumors of Alexander’s death to spread in Babylon; armed Greeks assemble in the palace hall, demanding to see their emperor. They threaten to kill everyone if they are denied this request. Alexander is carried to the crowd in his bed and addresses the Greeks, who ask him to name a successor as their, the Greeks’, king. He tells them to chose a new ruler themselves, and they propose Perdicam, his uncle. Alexander makes him ruler of all Greek kingdoms, and counsels him to take care of Roxane, to accept her advice and to treat her like his mother.

Motif References:

P 17 Succession to the throne

SeAlx-8643: Weeping and lamentation at Alexander’s nearing death; the lamenting is as loud as thunder. The pagan books even report that even the sun darkened in mourning, but the writer can not believe this, as Alexander was just a mortal.

Motif References:

F 965.2 Sun darkened at death of holy [pious] person

SeAlx-8663: A Greek called Solenus approaches Alexander and praises him and his deeds. Angered, Alexander slaps him. The Greeks weep and say that they would rather die with their ruler, as his empire and his glory will surely shatter after his death.

Motif References:

SeAlx-8711: Alexander donates a precious gold curtain to the temple of Athens. He gives 1000 pounds of gold to his brother Aridus to prepare a grave for him in Alexandria; he sends for myrrh from the land of Tregeridis and earth from Meldem essei, to be used in embalming his corpse. Then he dies.

Motif References:

V 69 Funeral rites – miscellaneous
Z 292 Death of hero [heroine]

SeAlx-8741: Great lamentation and mourning at Alexander’s death. His body is embalmed by his nobles with various potions and salves: myrrh, aloe, pigment, aromata, ambra, thyme, nardi spica and other herbs from India. He is clothed in a precious garment spun from the jewel abestan, which never fades, and red garments of salamander skin (spun by salamanders in fire). He is crowned, precious rings are placed on his fingers; scepter and orb are placed in his hands. His corpse is carried to Alexandria on an ivory bier ornate with jewels by his dukes.

Motif References:

P 683 (Bm) Embalming
F 788.1 Remarkable jeweled bier
F 821.1 Dress of extraordinary material
F 821.11 Clothes remain ever new

SeAlx-8829: The Egyptian priests of Alexandria carry Alexander’s bier into the temple for the night; as is pagan custom, they guard it during the night and sleep in a circle around the bier. The next morning, Alexander is put in a golden coffin and buried in a sumptuous grave. The grave is covered with a great jewel, on which there is an inscription in golden letters: “Here lies Alexander, who conquered all kingdoms, and died at the age of 32 in Babylon.” Lamps filled with balm are hung over Alexander’s grave.

Motif References:

V 153 (Hi) Heroes’ grave
F 852.2 Golden coffin

SeAlx-8892: When Jobas, Alexander’s murderer, sees the lamentation and mourning, he kills himself with his sword. Before he dies, he confesses and names his brother and father as his conspirators. His body is incinerated. Cassander, Jobas’ brother, flees to sea, their father Ancipater and his whole family are killed.

Motif References:

R 220 Flights
Q 411 Death as punishment
Q 411.6 Death as punishment for murder
M 451.1 Death by suicide

SeAlx-8916: The Egyptians accept Pertolomeus as their new king; all of Alexander’s nobles leave for their assigned kingdoms. Perdica goes to Greece with Roxane, for many years the kingdoms remain tributary to Greece. For three hundred years this empire lasted, until the Romans rose to power and made Rome the capital city of their empire. In Alexander’s lifetime, all kingdoms were united in a peaceful and just empire; later, war and injustice caused misery and distress in all countries.

Motif References:

SeAlx-8960: Description of Alexander’s appearance: he was rather short, of healthy complexion, with a lion’s mane. He was virtuous and clever and had the strength of two men. Nobody could defeat him; but wine and anger caused his death. He became 32 years old, from his eighteenth year on he began to conquer his empire. He held reign in Babylon for 8 years. He was born on the 15th of December and died in December at the age of 32 in Babylon.

Motif References:

F 555 Remarkable hair
F 610.4 Man with strength of many men

Romances of Antiquity

Seifrits Alexander (1352) Gereke, P. (ed.): Seifrits Alexander aus der Strassburger Handschrift. (=DTM 36) Berlin 1932.

Seifrits Alexander (1352)
Gereke, P. (ed.): Seifrits Alexander aus der Strassburger Handschrift. (=DTM 36) Berlin 1932.