Alexander the Great part due to Aristotle's tutelage; Alexander was intelligent and quick to learn. His intelligent and rational side was amply demonstrated by his ability and success as a general. He had great self-restraint in "pleasures of the body", in contrast with his lack of self-control with alcohol. Alexander was erudite and patronized both arts and sciences. However, he had little interest in sports or the Olympic games (unlike his father), seeking only the Homeric ideals of honour ("timê") and glory ("kudos"). He had great charisma and force of personality, characteristics which made him a great leader. His unique abilities were further
Alexander the Great in legend Italian, and French. The "Romance" is regarded by many Western and Muslim scholars as the source of the account of Alexander given in the Qur'an (Sura "The Cave"). It is the source of many incidents in Ferdowsi's "Shahnama". A Mongolian version is also extant. "Epic poems based on Alexander romance" Alexander the Great in legend There are many legendary accounts surrounding the life of Alexander the Great, with a relatively large number deriving from his own lifetime, probably encouraged by Alexander himself. King Philip had a dream in which he took a wax seal and sealed up the womb of