She Wasn’t Just One Of The Most Iconic Mongolian Princesses Of The Thirteenth Century, But She Was Also A Fierce Warrior And Wrestler, Even Joining Her Father On Military Campaigns
If you love stories of fierce, powerful female warriors that came centuries before us, you should know who Khutulun is.
If you weren’t already aware, Khutulun was one of the most iconic Mongolian princesses and an incredible warrior and wrestler who lived during the 13th century.
Khutulun was born around 1260. She was the great-great-granddaughter of Genghis Khan, and her father, Kaidu, was one of the most powerful rulers of Central Asia. Her name is inspired by ‘moonlight,’ and she is also sometimes referred to as Aiyurug or Aijaruc.
She was a very powerful woman with a strong physical build. Khutulun had 14 brothers and was raised very similarly to them, always proving herself to be just as strong and valuable.
Khutulun was passionate about sports and physical activity growing up, learning valuable skills like horseback riding and archery as a child.
However, she impressively shined in hand-to-hand fighting and became one of the best Mongolian wrestlers, which, as you can probably guess, was unusual for princesses.
As Khutulun grew older, she became an incredible warrior and even joined her father on military campaigns.
Together, they fought against the Yuan dynasty and maintained their status as some of the most powerful political and military figures in Western Mongolia and China.
It is said that Khutulun was reluctant to marry but once stated that a man who could beat her in a hand-to-hand fighting competition could marry her. Any man who wished to enter the competition had to give up 10 horses, which would become hers if she won.
bizoo_n – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only
The results of this competition are unknown, although some historical texts have said she eventually married, but it’s unclear to whom.
When Khutulun’s father died, her brothers contested her rise to power, but she held her important position in the military and politics.
It is estimated that Khutulun died around 1306 due to unknown circumstances. Some say she may have died in battle or was murdered by a hitman.
Her story became rather obscure, and some pieces of her life story have been altered or are unknown. However, she will always be a very notable warrior and inspired lots of art and stories.
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