Publisher's Synopsis
This is The First Draft Version
Book description for "Divine Oracle: Alexander, the Sacred Band, and Apollo's Call." Divine Oracle: Alexander, the Sacred Band, and Apollo's Call will be part of an LGBTQ+ History series, offering fresh insight into Alexander's queerness and the fluid gender norms of his era, all viewed through the perspective of a gay author. You'll be surprised by what you learn about his world and the complexities of identity that defined it! In Divine Blood: Alexander, the Sacred Band, and Apollo's Call, we follow the life of Alexander the Great, blending historical fact with the profound influence of prophecy, divinity, and love. From his foretold birth at the Oracle of Delphi to his final breath in Babylon, the book traces Alexander's rise to greatness, a journey fueled by his belief that he was not just a mortal king but the son of Zeus and an embodiment of Apollo, the god of the sun. More than just a conqueror, Alexander's conquests reflected his spiritual calling. His leadership was profoundly shaped by his closest companions, particularly the deep and passionate bond he shared with Hephaestion, which mirrored the devotion of the Sacred Band of Thebes, a group of warriors bound by love and honor. Their connection reflected the queerness of Alexander's world, where gender norms were fluid, and love between men was celebrated in heroic terms.Through the lens of a gay author, Divine Oracle offers fresh perspectives on the relationships and divine elements that shaped Alexander's life. It explores the enduring legacy of the Sacred Band, the divine pull of Apollo's light, and the passion that drove one of history's greatest leaders to the edges of the known world, illuminating aspects of queerness that are often overlooked in history. Prepare to view Alexander and his world in an entirely new light, one that celebrates love, identity, and the divine forces that guide us all.