The Travels of Marco Polo · Character
Prester John
Also known as Vetulus de la Montagna, Wang-Khan
- Supporting
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 15
Prester John carries the strange allure of a ruler half-seen through legend, his name hovering at the edge of the known world. There is grandeur in the reputation, but no close portrait to settle what kind of man stands behind it.
- Gender
- male
- Age
- Adult
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 15
- Books
- 1
Prester John is presented as a legendary Christian ruler of the East, a figure whose identity belongs to the book’s web of far-reaching reports and traditions. He is also associated in the text’s references with the name Wang-Khan, while another account confuses his son with the Old Man of the Mountain. Beyond these legendary connections, the book gives him no developed personal arc or physical portrait.
Description
The text identifies Prester John as an adult male ruler but gives no concrete visual details. His build, complexion, hair, eyes, facial features, clothing, and distinguishing features remain unspecified.
Connections
Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals
- JB
Jaur Bigifather
The commentary identifies Jaur Bigi as the daughter of Aung Khan, the ruler identified in this account with Prester John.
- KG
King Georgesixth-generation descendant
King George is said to belong to Prester John’s lineage and is described as the sixth in descent from him; his reduced realm remains in Tenduc.
- A
Aung-Khanidentity
The commentary identifies Aung Khan as the ruler called Prester John in Polo’s account.
Chinghiz Khanrebel vassal
The narrative presents Chinghiz as having been Prester John’s tributary, then breaking away and refusing tribute. Their conflict escalates when Chinghiz seeks Prester John’s daughter in marriage, receives an insulting refusal, and marches to war against him.
Story so far
BOOK 1The Travels of Marco Polo — Volume 1
Appearances
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