Boroldai facts for kids

Boroldai (also called Burulday or Burundai) was a famous Mongol general. He lived in the middle of the 1200s. He was a key leader during the Mongol invasions of Russia and Europe. These invasions happened between 1236 and 1242.

We don't know much about his family or tribe. He might have been from one of the tribes given to Jochi. Jochi was the oldest son of the great leader Genghis Khan.

Boroldai's Military Career

Boroldai served under Batu Khan, who was Jochi's son. Batu Khan led a large part of the Mongol army.

Early Victories in Russia

In 1238, Boroldai led the first part of the Mongol army. They surprised and defeated the army of Yuri II. Yuri II was the Grand Prince of Vladimir. This important battle happened at the battle of the Sit River. Boroldai also helped in the attack on Kiev in 1240. Kiev was a very important city in Russia.

After conquering parts of Russia, the Mongols moved into Eastern and Central Europe. Boroldai's name appears in an old Mongol book. This book is called The Secret History of the Mongols. In it, he is called Bujgai or Bujakh. The Mongol leader Ögedei Khan praised Boroldai's skills.

The Battle of Mohi

Boroldai helped another famous general, Subutai, plan a big attack. This attack was during the Battle of Mohi in 1241. This battle was against King Béla IV of Hungary and his allies. Boroldai's group directly attacked the main camp of the Hungarian king. Batu Khan's brother, Shiban, also helped in this attack.

The battle was very tough. But on April 11, 1241, Batu's army won a great victory. They defeated the Hungarians, Croats, and Templar Knights.

Later Campaigns

In 1251, there was a fight over who would rule the Mongol Empire. Boroldai led 100,000 Mongol soldiers. They were stationed near a city called Otrar. Their job was to watch over other Mongol groups. These groups were called the Chagatayids and Ögedeids. They were against Batu's cousin and ally, Möngke Khan.

Dealing with Rebellions

In 1255, a ruler named Daniel of Galicia fought against Mongol rule. He pushed back an early Mongol attack. So, Berke, another Mongol leader, sent the experienced Boroldai. In 1259, Boroldai led his army and defeated Daniel of Galicia. Some stories say Daniel ran away to Poland. He left his son and brother to face the Mongol army. Other stories say he hid in a castle.

Boroldai made Daniel tear down the walls of his cities. This was in the regions of Galich and Volhynia. The Mongols knew that people from Lithuania had attacked Mongol lands.

Expedition to Lithuania and Poland

Boroldai then led a special army with other leaders like Talabuga Khan and Nogai Khan. They went on a mission against the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The Mongols attacked Lithuania. But the Lithuanians ran away before a big battle.

After taking goods from villages in Lithuania, Boroldai went back to Galich. He demanded that Daniel help him fight the Poles. Daniel's son, Lev, and brother, Vasily, joined the Mongol army. The Mongols then attacked and took goods from cities in Poland. These cities included Lublin, Sandomierz, Kraków, and Bytom. Berke did not plan to take over Poland. After this attack, Pope Alexander IV tried to start a crusade against the Mongols. But he was not successful.

Boroldai's End

After 1259, Boroldai's name does not appear in Russian records. A general named Burulday was killed in a battle in 1263. This battle happened at the Terek River during the Berke–Hulagu war. This general might have been Boroldai.

Boroldai's name also appears in a famous opera. It is called The Legend of the Invisible City of Kitezh and the Maiden Fevroniya. This opera was written by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. He also appears in some Mongolian fairy tales.