Wrath of Khutulun
By
Elise Mastantuono
Mongol history is characterized by a rich and diverse cast of characters, from the legendary Genghis Khan to the formidable warriors and rulers who followed, such as Subutai, Jebe, Kublai Khan, and Batu Khan. These figures left an indelible mark on history, shaping the course of the Mongol Empire and influencing the world beyond its borders.
Mongol Warriors in Battle
One such prominent figure that doesn’t get a lot of attentions is Khutulun. Born around 1260, Khutulun was a remarkable figure in Mongol history, known for her incredible strength, martial prowess, and wrestling abilities. She was the daughter of Kaidu, a powerful Mongol prince (later ruler), and great-granddaughter of Genghis Khan.
From a young age, she was trained in the art of wrestling, archery, horsemanship, as well as military tactics and formations.
Khutulun quickly distinguished herself as a gifted wrestler. According to legend, Khutulun had never been defeated in a wrestling match, and she became famous throughout the Mongol Empire for her strength and skill.
In addition to her wrestling abilities, Khutulun was also a skilled warrior who participated in battles and military campaigns alongside her father Kaidu. She was known for her fearlessness and strategic mind, and she played an important role in many of Kaidu's military victories, particularly over the Yuan dynasty.
Illustration of Khutulun by Daniel Angelo
Khutulun's abilities were even celebrated by many historical figures such as Persian historian Rashid al-Din, and Italian explorer Marco Polo who described Khutulun as a “superb warrior, one who could ride into enemy ranks and snatch a captive as easily as a hawk snatches a chicken.”
One of the most famous legends surrounding Khutulun is her refusal to marry unless her suitor could defeat her in wrestling. This tradition was not uncommon in Mongol society, where wrestling was a highly respected sport, and many suitors attempted to win Khutulun's hand. However, Khutulun was a formidable opponent, and one by one, her suitors were defeated.
Khutulun remains a celebrated figure in Mongolian culture to this day. Her story is cited as an example of the important role that women played in Mongol society, where they were given more freedom and opportunities than in many other cultures of the time.
If you’re like me and fascinated by the Mongol’s and their empire I highly recommend listening to Dan Carlin’s five part podcast Wrath of the Kahn’s about the Mongol Empire and its impact on world history. Beware, he does go into detail on Mongol military tactics and they can get quite brutal.