Part One Before Genghis Khan Before Genghis Khan, the area called the “Steppes of Eastern Asia” (Now Mongolia) was a home for many nomadic tribes, and a few were bigger than others, such as the Naimans and the Kereyids. The many tribes fought a lot, and neither of them actually gained much in power or loot. But, there really were actually groups of people gaining power: The Western Xia Dynasty of China, and the Jin Dynasty of China. These two overlords were huge in numbers, and had complete control over the puny tribes of the Steppes. How? Well, by using their power as bait and regularly switched sides between the tribes and made the tribes war with each other. By using this trick, the two powerhouses kept each tribe at bay, and made sure that the tribes never formed an alliance that could destroy them. Like this, the nomads lived in constant fear of being attacked. Anything could happen, and the nomads were alert at all times. Sometimes the tribes would form small alliances, but never too much bigger than hunting party. Another group that was powerful (Of course, less powerful than the two dynasties) is was the Taters (Early Turkish nomads). This group of people was also very powerful, and attacked the small tribes. The result was that they almost always demolished the tribe. This was how life was like before Genghis Khan, with the Western Xia Dynasty and the Jin Dynasty as the Supreme rulers of the Plains. Part Two
How Genghis Khan Ever had the Chance to become Genghis Khan On a sunny day in the year 1162, a child was born. This child, however, wasn’t just any child, for he clutched a bright red blood clot in his right fist. A wise old man, a friend of the baby’s father, predicted that this child was very special-a gift from heaven. And he was correct. This little baby was none other than the greatest warrior of all time: Genghis Khan. When Temujin (Genghis Khan’s name before Genghis Khan) was nine, his father brought him to an acquaintance of his named Dei the Wise. Dei had a beautiful daughter named Borte, and he and Temujin’s father formed a early marriage between Temujin and Borte. Temujin was left with Dei, so the old man could know his future son-in-law. Temujin and Borte would be married when Temujin becomes 16. But, there was bad news. On the way home, Yesugei (Temujin’s father) was murdered by some Taters. Temujin went back to his family, and his tribe abandoned his family. They said that without Yesugei (The tribe leader), they don’t need his family. Temujin, his brave mother Holeun, two sisters, three brothers, and two step brothers were forced to survive on their own. During one incident, Temujin and his older stepbrother, Begter, stole his kill. Temujin was so mad, in a fury of rage, he and his brother Khaser grabbed their bows and shot Begter. Holeun screamed at them when she found out, but it was too late. Since then, Temujin became the eldest son of his family, and life went on. Then, when he was 15, his old clan tried to find him and kill him. He hid in the woods, but still was sought out. A few nights later, there was a large celebration, and the captors of Temujin became drunk. He ran away, and a a nice hearted old man from his ex-tribe saw him. He was very kind, and helped Temujin by giving him a blanket, some food, and a horse. He was relieved, and he went back home. He soon went to find Dei and married Borte. Then, he joined up with Ong Khan, an anda, or blood brother, of his father. They became allies, and he had many battles with his father’s anda at his side. Like this, the hardcore non-giving up young man gained a great reputation, and gained many followers, and they called him Genghis Khan later on, or Universal Ruler. That is how Genghis Khan started his life as a leader. |