Abul-Abaz and Friends
June 4, 2008, filed under: Epics, Sketchbook, by LexOne of the characters I’m developing for Kid Beowulf and the Song of Roland
is an elephant named Abul-Abaz. I happily discovered his existence after reading Jeff Sypeck’s Becoming Charlemagne (a compelling read about the world of 800 AD). Abul-Abaz was a gift to Charlemagne from the caliph of Baghdad and a unique presence in Aachen (Charlemagne’s home in present day Germany). The idea that such a thing actually happened seemed too perfect not to incorporate into the book, especially since the blowing of horns is a factor in Roland and here was an animal known for its trumpeting skills. At this point I’m just trying to grapple with the anatomy–elephants are hard creatures to draw, but I’m excited to use this real bit of history in my story.
Below is a shot of Charlemagne’s Peers. L to R: Ogier the Dane, Archbishop Turpin, Anseis, Berenger, and Rinaldo. The Peers are the precursors to the Musketeers and a lot of fun to draw. 
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You should look at the Jungle Book as a reference for elephants. I remember the facial expressions were amazing.
When we were in Iraq we played a song called The Caliph of Baghdad, it was probably written around the same time that the elephant was gifted to Charlamagne.
Comment by Cesca — June 8, 2008 @
Clearly we’re related as Fajardos think alike–I was just watching Jungle Book the other day for that very reason!
Did “The Caliph of Baghdad” have lyrics?
Comment by Lex — June 8, 2008 @
The version that we played didn’t have lyrics but I’ll see if I can find my CD of the band playing it so you can hear what it sounds like.
Comment by Cesca — June 8, 2008 @