The Travels of Marco Polo · Character
Aláu
Also known as Olao, Haolon, Huláún
- Supporting
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 20
Aláu is introduced with the gravity of a ruler whose name reaches across distant courts and territories. The text gives no physical portrait, so what lingers is the scale of his station: a figure of power seen from afar, through the language of empire.
- Gender
- male
- Age
- Adult
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 20
- Books
- 1
Aláu, also rendered as Olao, Haolon, or Huláún, is described as lord of the Tartars of the Levant and brother of Mangu and Kublai. He is credited with founding the Mongol dynasty in Persia. The account offers no further detail about his personal life or appearance.
Description
No physical description of Aláu is provided. He is identified as a male ruler, but his height, build, complexion, hair, eyes, facial features, and age markers are not specified. His position as lord of the Tartars of the Levant suggests a courtly setting, but the text does not describe his garments, ornaments, or bearing in visual terms.
Connections
Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals
- KK
Kubilai Khanbrother
The text identifies Aláu as Hulaku, a brother of the Great Kaan Kublai.
Maffeo Pologuest
After reaching Bukhara, the Polo brothers encountered envoys sent from Aláu’s court to Kublai’s court and joined their onward journey.
Nicolo Pologuest
After reaching Bukhara, the Polo brothers encountered envoys sent from Aláu’s court to Kublai’s court and joined their onward journey.
- BK
Barca Kaanwar enemy
Barca and Aláu fought a major war; Barca was defeated after heavy losses on both sides.
Story so far
BOOK 1The Travels of Marco Polo — Volume 1
Appearances
Meet Aláu in Bookworm
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