Mongolian Legends

Legends are probably the oldest examples of folk literature in Mongolia. It seems to be a basic urge of human beings - whether they are Mongolian or English or whatever - to understand the world surrounding them. Today we have science for that and we know that mountains were created by vulcanic activity or the continental drift. And we are able to explain characteristic features of animals with the evolution theory. Things like that.

But our modern science is a pretty new achievement and so the people living on this world hundreds of years ago tried to explain things in other ways. It had been gods creating the mountains, and the animals stole tails from eachother and picked out eachother's tongues.

I personally believe very much in science but I have to admit that legends do explain the world more imaginitive and beautiful than science does. But judge for yourself...

Erkhii mergen

or why the marmot has got only four fingers and the sun sets in the west

The Legend of Khökhöö Namdschil

or how the horse-headed violin was created

How the Mongolians Came By Their Tales

oder what happened to an impatient soul

How the Chipmunk Got Its Stripes

or whata friendly but clumsy bear can do

Why the Camel Rolls in the Ashes

or how the animals representing the twelve years of the mongolian calendar were chosen

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

1