The Travels of Marco Polo · Character
Polibans
Also known as Prince Polibans
- Supporting
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 15
Polibans has the wary intelligence of someone who has listened closely to ideas without surrendering his judgment. His command of French hints at a life shaped by unexpected encounters, while his princely reserve makes every answer feel deliberate.
- Gender
- male
- Age
- Adult prince
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 15
- Books
- 1
A prince and cousin of the Caliph, Polibans has learned French from a renegade who spent seven years teaching him, and he can acknowledge the strengths of Christian doctrine even while refusing its claims. He accepts Bauduin’s challenge to fight unarmed, but Bauduin’s confidence unsettles him; after the contest and a vision, he embraces Christianity. His avowal draws him away from the Caliph and into prison, though the Caliph’s own conversion brings his release. He then accompanies Bauduin to the Mountain of the Old Man, his former opposition transformed into alliance.
Description
The account identifies Polibans as a prince but gives no details of his physical appearance. His height, build, skin tone, hair, eyes, face, and distinguishing marks are not described. His exact clothing is likewise unstated; only his princely status suggests courtly attire, without specifying its style or colors.
Connections
Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals
- C
Caliphcousin
Polibans is the Caliph's cousin; their bond is strained when Polibans openly adopts Christianity and the Caliph imprisons him.
- BD
After Baudouin defeats and converts him, Polibans becomes his ally and accompanies him on further adventures.
Story so far
BOOK 1The Travels of Marco Polo — Volume 1
Appearances
Meet Polibans in Bookworm
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