Mongol mythology facts for kids
Mongol mythology is the collection of old stories and beliefs from Mongolia. It's like the ancient religion that people in Mongolia followed a long time ago. These stories explain how the world was made, who the gods are, and what happens after death.
Contents
Gods and Spirits of Mongolia
In Mongol mythology, there are many important gods and spirits. These powerful beings helped shape the world and guided the lives of the people.
Creator Gods
Some gods were believed to have created the world.
- Bai-Ulgan and Esege Malan are two of these important creator gods. They were thought to be responsible for bringing the world into existence.
Gods of Daily Life
Other gods looked after different parts of people's lives.
- Ot was the goddess of marriage. She watched over weddings and family life.
- Tung-ak was a special god for tribal chiefs. He was like their protector and guide.
Gods of Power and War
Some gods were connected to powerful forces or battles.
- Erling Khan (also known as Erlik Khan) was the King of the Underworld. He ruled over the land of the dead.
- Daichi Tengri was a red god of war. People sometimes offered sacrifices to him during battles.
- Zaarin Tengri was a spirit who gave special visions. In the famous book Secret History of the Mongols, Zaarin Tengri gave a vision to a person named Khorchi. This vision showed a cow saying that "Heaven and earth have agreed to make Temujin (who later became the great leader Genghis Khan) the lord of the nation." This vision was very important for Genghis Khan's rise to power.
The Sky God Tengri
- The most important god in Mongol mythology is often Tengri, the sky god. People believed Tengri was the ruler of the heavens and the most powerful of all gods. Evidence of Tengri worship goes back to the Xiongnu people from the 2nd century BC. Even though the Xiongnu might not have been Mongols, Tengri is a common god for many groups in Central Asia, including the Mongols.
Important Animals
Animals also played a big role in Mongol mythology. The wolf, falcon, deer, and horse were seen as very important symbols. They often appeared in stories and were respected for their strength, speed, and wisdom.
Images for kids
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Mural depicting King Gesar of Ling
