Alexander's Body

This moderated forum is for discussion of Alexander the Great. Inappropriate posts will be deleted without warning. Examples of inappropriate posts are:
* The Greek/Macedonian debate
* Blatant requests for pre-written assignments by lazy students - we don't mind the subtle ones ;-)
* Foul or inappropriate language

Moderator: pothos moderators

Post Reply
ScottOden
Pezhetairos (foot soldier)
Posts: 121
Joined: Tue Dec 02, 2003 7:12 pm
Location: Southern US
Contact:
Contact ScottOden

Alexander's Body

Post by ScottOden »

Hi All,

After Alexander's death, did some bit of folklore arise that whomever possessed his body would benefit from it, as in having some of his luck rub off on them? I seem to recall reading something to this effect, but I can't remember if it was part of a novel or what. I searched the myths section of Pothos to no avail.

Any ideas?

Thanks, in advance!

Scott
Top
User avatar
Taphoi
Hetairos (companion)
Posts: 932
Joined: Sat Apr 15, 2006 3:32 pm
Location: Bristol, England, UK
Contact:
Contact Taphoi

Post by Taphoi »

It is a prophesy of Alexander's seer, Aristander of Telmissus:

"Aristander... said... the gods had told him that the land which received [Alexander's] body, the earlier habitation of his soul, would enjoy the greatest good fortune and be unconquered through the ages." Aelian, Varia Historia 12.64

All the best,

Andrew
Top
ScottOden
Pezhetairos (foot soldier)
Posts: 121
Joined: Tue Dec 02, 2003 7:12 pm
Location: Southern US
Contact:
Contact ScottOden

Post by ScottOden »

Thanks, Andrew! I'd hoped I wasn't crazy or something, or picking up references created by modern novelists. Now, all I need is to find Aelian online . . . :)

Congrats on your books, by the way. They're on my TBR pile.

Best,

Scott
Top
Post Reply

Return to “Discuss Alexander the Great”