Poetry
Чингис хааны хоёр загал морины тууж
Not translated into English
Anonymous · 1300
Synopsis
Two horses born in Genghis Khan's herd, the elder and the younger Jagal, distinguish themselves in a great hunt without receiving the recognition they expect. The younger, hurt at not being held in higher esteem, wants to leave the court and urges the elder to go with him; the elder hesitates, then follows him. Far from the camp, the younger savours freedom, while the elder, overcome by homesickness, grows weaker.
Context
The narrative is usually dated to the thirteenth century and is transmitted both by manuscripts, preserved mainly in the Ordos, in Inner Mongolia, and by oral tradition. Written in alliterative verse, it exists in several versions; a second, later story features only the young Jagal. The long song of the two steeds of the holy khan, which keeps only its first half, is taken up today by singers who are not professionals. The text was printed at Niislel Khüree in 1922, then reprinted in 1959 in an anthology of one hundred texts of Mongolian literature.
Who it is for
An epic poem, readable in Russian and German; another version exists in French translation.
Prizes and reception
A classic of ancient Mongolian poetry, whose sung version is taken up by many amateurs.