King of the Wind

Agba and Sham’s lifelong bond demonstrates the beauty of loyalty between humans and animals. Instead of centering the novel on the historical figures known to have interacted with the Godolphin Arabian, Henry creates the character of a stableboy who accompanies the horse on every step of his journey and makes their relationship the heart of the narrative. Thus, her account shows that the Godolphin Arabian is extraordinary not only because of his speed and his progeny but because of the remarkable loyalty between him and Agba that makes his legacy possible.

The bond between the boy and the horse makes their relationship the most meaningful and rewarding aspect of their lives. These benefits are especially clear for Sham. Agba saves his life twice when the horse is just a newborn—once when Signor Achmet contemplates killing the colt because of the foreboding wheat ear on his chest and again when he saves Sham from starvation after his mother’s death. Just as he did when Sham was first born, Agba continues to nurture and protect the horse his whole life. For his part, Sham provides his human with a sense of purpose and companionship.