King Philip's recurring dream of a lion emerging from Queen Olympias fueled concerns about their unborn child.  Seer Chaeron interpreted this as an omen of a son who would usurp Philip's throne, while Aristander saw it as a prophecy of a powerful, glorious son. Philip, initially wavering in his affection for the wild Olympias, ultimately trusted Aristander's interpretation.  Six months later, Olympias gave birth to a son, Alexander, amidst Philip's military victories and a horse race win at the Olympics.  Young Alexander, already exhibiting keen intelligence and leadership qualities, befriended soldiers and nobles alike, demonstrating precocious understanding of power dynamics and military strategy.  His close companions included Cleitus, Ptolemy, and Hephaestion, foreshadowing his future as a great leader.