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Description
I wasn't going to draw horses cause I'm sure they'll be done a lot, but browsing through Greek lore I came across the story of Xanthos and Barios, two immortal stallions who pulled a chariot in the Trojan war.

Once their proper handler [Patroklo] died in the war, their chariot was taken up by another man named Akhilleus. Both horses refused to move amongst the battle, while they wept for their handler. Zeus, feeling sorry for them, gave them vigour, giving them the strength to run again.

Akhilleus then spoke to the stallions, telling them to be careful in keeping him alive. He said to them,"...Xanthos, Balios,... take care to bring in another way your charioteer back to the company of the Danaans, when we give over fighting, not leave him to lie fallen there, as you did Patroklos... "

Suddenly, having been given a voice by the Goddess Hera, Xanthos answered his new chariot rider," We shall still keep you safe for this time, o hard Akhilleus. And yet the day of your death is near, but it is not we who are to blame, but a great god and powerful Destiny ... But for us, we two could run with the blast of the West Wind (Zephryos) who they say is the lightest of all things; yet still for you there is destiny to be killed..."

Xanthos' speech was then taken away abruptly then, leaving Akhilleus quite disturbed.

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So I have modelled this two stallions, white and black spirit of the horses after Zanthos and Balios; and have thus given them the same name.

Xanthos (the black horse) is that which protects the path of Destiny, convincing others to stay travelling upon it.

Balios (the white horse) is that which protects ones Choice, and protects all those who refuse to travel the beaten path and make their own paths.

[[ Xanthos is obviously made the protect the path of Destiny because he speaks of it fondly when he is granted a temporary voice. (My choice anyway haha) ]]

Both spirits can be seen near each other, but their should always be a line deviding them; usually an important line symbolic to those they visit. This line should represent the path and the path that can be made.

Because both animals had riders beforehand I have given them ties around their manes, since they are not wild horses, but were tamed by Poseidon, the sea God.

In the picture, Xanthos gallops proudly forward, ears laid back but with a determined glare. Like those who follow Destiny, they know what awaits them, however they continue on full of courage.

Balios is pictured turning from the path, alert to what lays ahead yet he has a frightened or unsure look on his face. Those who create their own paths are never sure of what is ahead of them, but continue on anyway with their own sort of courage.

Both choices require the utmost bravery, simply different kinds, and not one is lesser or more then the other because of their choice.

Anyways, art to me please. I know my horse anatomy is sort of lacking, but I haven't drawn them in ages. The poses don't really match, but their just your basic text book running stances that I used to draw.. the only ones I really remember haha

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Coloured Sketch
$5 per character
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80
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Description
I wasn't going to draw horses cause I'm sure they'll be done a lot, but browsing through Greek lore I came across the story of Xanthos and Barios, two immortal stallions who pulled a chariot in the Trojan war.

Once their proper handler [Patroklo] died in the war, their chariot was taken up by another man named Akhilleus. Both horses refused to move amongst the battle, while they wept for their handler. Zeus, feeling sorry for them, gave them vigour, giving them the strength to run again.

Akhilleus then spoke to the stallions, telling them to be careful in keeping him alive. He said to them,"...Xanthos, Balios,... take care to bring in another way your charioteer back to the company of the Danaans, when we give over fighting, not leave him to lie fallen there, as you did Patroklos... "

Suddenly, having been given a voice by the Goddess Hera, Xanthos answered his new chariot rider," We shall still keep you safe for this time, o hard Akhilleus. And yet the day of your death is near, but it is not we who are to blame, but a great god and powerful Destiny ... But for us, we two could run with the blast of the West Wind (Zephryos) who they say is the lightest of all things; yet still for you there is destiny to be killed..."

Xanthos' speech was then taken away abruptly then, leaving Akhilleus quite disturbed.

----------------------

So I have modelled this two stallions, white and black spirit of the horses after Zanthos and Balios; and have thus given them the same name.

Xanthos (the black horse) is that which protects the path of Destiny, convincing others to stay travelling upon it.

Balios (the white horse) is that which protects ones Choice, and protects all those who refuse to travel the beaten path and make their own paths.

[[ Xanthos is obviously made the protect the path of Destiny because he speaks of it fondly when he is granted a temporary voice. (My choice anyway haha) ]]

Both spirits can be seen near each other, but their should always be a line deviding them; usually an important line symbolic to those they visit. This line should represent the path and the path that can be made.

Because both animals had riders beforehand I have given them ties around their manes, since they are not wild horses, but were tamed by Poseidon, the sea God.

In the picture, Xanthos gallops proudly forward, ears laid back but with a determined glare. Like those who follow Destiny, they know what awaits them, however they continue on full of courage.

Balios is pictured turning from the path, alert to what lays ahead yet he has a frightened or unsure look on his face. Those who create their own paths are never sure of what is ahead of them, but continue on anyway with their own sort of courage.

Both choices require the utmost bravery, simply different kinds, and not one is lesser or more then the other because of their choice.

Anyways, art to me please. I know my horse anatomy is sort of lacking, but I haven't drawn them in ages. The poses don't really match, but their just your basic text book running stances that I used to draw.. the only ones I really remember haha

----------
Want a drawing like this one? My commissions are open!
Coloured Sketch
$5 per character
or
80
Add $5.00 or 80 per extra character
Note me whether you would like a head shot or full body
Traditional or Digital Available
Examples:
Price: $5.00 or 80
Price: $10.00 or 160