Temujin: The Boy Who Will Be Khan (Full Episode) | Secret History of the Mongols | Nat Geo

Chinggis Khan, born Temujin, was a pivotal figure in history, known for uniting the rival houses of the Mongolian steppe into a powerful nation and conquering more territory than any other single ruler. While often depicted as a savage barbarian, new translations of ancient texts, particularly "The Secret History of the Mongols," reveal a more complex individual: an exiled prince, a sophisticated leader, and a military tactician whose life story is crucial to understanding the rise of the Mongolian Empire. The vast and desolate Mongolian plains were home to nomadic rulers, skilled horse riders, expert archers, and masters of the steppe landscape. This enormous belt of grassland, stretching from Manchuria to the Hungarian plains, was divided among various dynasties. In the central part was the Kingdom of the Kerait, to the west the Naiman, and in the south and east, the Jin Dynasty, part of northern China and Manchuria. Eastern Mongolia was a borderland with numerous warlords and petty dynasties. Aristocrats lived in large, mobile structures akin to small palaces, while their subjects resided in more humble dwellings, herding livestock. Nomadic life was challenging, characterized by seasonal migrations to pastures and a sophisticated system of movement. Animals were not only a livelihood but also wealth. Tribes, composed of several families and ethnic groups, followed a single leader. Generations before Temujin, Kabhul Khan briefly united powerful nomadic factions under his leadership, forming the Khamag Mongol kingdom in eastern Mongolia. Years later, his grandson Yesugei, a valiant warrior and "Khan" (king), led one of the noble families on the eastern edge of the steppes. To secure his dynasty, Yesugei needed an heir. In 1162, his wife Hö'elün gave birth to their first son, Temujin, a name taken from a recently captured rival leader, signifying conquest and achievement. Temujin was born holding a blood clot in his right fist, interpreted as a sign of strength, brutality, or divine power. "The Secret History of the Mongols," a mysterious text written decades after Chinggis Khan's death, documents his extraordinary life. Lost in Mongolian but preserved in Chinese, this document is the only Mongolian account of Chinggis Khan's rise to supreme authority. Reconstructed by scholars, it provides crucial insights into his background and psychology, detailing his family life and how he built Mongolia as a country. It is considered both literature and Mongolia's first historical documentation of the nation's founding. At nine years old, Temujin's father, Yesugei, set out to find him a bride from a powerful noble house to strengthen their dynasty. Temujin's mother came from a prestigious family that traditionally provided wives for Mongol rulers. On their journey, they encountered a senior noble who recounted a premonition involving a white falcon, the sun, and the moon, suggesting a destined union between Temujin, who had "fire in his eyes," and his own daughter, Börte, who also possessed this characteristic. They accepted the offer, and Temujin was betrothed to Börte, one year his senior. Marriage was a political objective, a means of forging loyalties in a feuding world. Yesugei left Temujin with Börte's family and began his journey home. On his return, Yesugei stopped at a Tartar camp, enemies of the Mongols, who recognized and poisoned him. Despite the custom of hospitality, the Tartars' animosity led to this treachery. Yesugei fell gravely ill and, upon reaching his camp, sent for Temujin. Temujin raced back but arrived too late; his father had succumbed to the poison. Without a strong leader, Yesugei's followers abandoned the kingdom, leaving Temujin's family in poverty. The young noble prince was now reduced to fighting for survival on the harsh steppe, his existence a threat to rival leaders. The family lost thousands of subjects and hundreds of thousands of animals, surviving with minimal livestock and a few servants. Life was terribly poor and harsh, especially during the long, isolated winters. Temujin's mother, Hö'elün, proved immensely strong, holding the family together by gathering berries, fishing, and hunting. As Temujin and his brothers matured, they learned survival instincts, archery, and horsemanship, becoming skilled hunters. After years of isolation, tensions arose between Temujin and his older half-brother, Bekter, over a fish. This seemingly minor quarrel escalated into a power struggle. Temujin and his full brother Qasar complained to their mother, but she ignored it. Temujin and Qasar then ambushed Bekter, shooting him from the front and back. Bekter, realizing their intent, asked them to spare his younger brother, Belgutei, to ensure descendants from his family. This act, described as cowardly and manipulative, was a dark family secret, revealing a shadowy side of Temujin woven into "The Secret History." The text includes such "shameful events" as lessons for future generations, highlighting how not to behave if one seeks to build loyalty. Hö'elün was distraught upon learning of Bekter's death, confronting Temujin about turning against his own brother and emphasizing the need for unity in their isolated world. News of the murder reached a rival nobleman, who, fearing Temujin's growing ambition, decided to act. The nobleman's guards, seeking only Temujin, caused him to flee. Temujin hid for nine days without food, eventually surrendering. He was held captive by the Tayichiud, who, instead of killing him due to his royal rank, humiliated him by forcing him to wear a cangue, a wooden yoke or collar that prevented him from feeding himself or lying down properly. This public humiliation aimed to prevent him from becoming a future leader. Temujin was rotated among the houses of the nobleman's subjects, spending a day in each, observing who might support him. He found only one sympathetic family, that of Sorkan-Shira, who took pity on him, allowing him to remove the cangue at night. During a Tayichiud feast, Temujin seized an opportunity, knocking out his young captor with the cangue and escaping. He took refuge in the freezing Onon River, evading his pursuers. Sorkan-Shira, among the searchers, spotted Temujin but feigned ignorance, allowing him to remain hidden. Sorkan-Shira then told Temujin to flee to his mother. However, Temujin, needing help to return home safely, slipped back into the Tayichiud camp to find Sorkan-Shira. Though displeased, Sorkan-Shira helped him remove the cangue and hid him for several days. When the Tayichiud grew suspicious and began searching their own ranks, Sorkan-Shira diverted them. Finally, he provided Temujin with provisions and a horse to return to his family. This daring escape showcased Temujin's cunning and courageous spirit, qualities that would define his future as a powerful leader. Reunited with his mother and brothers, Temujin worked tirelessly to rebuild his lost kingdom. Now 16, he was charismatic and persuasive, forming a loyal bond with Jamuqa, a boy from another noble family. The time came for him to reunite with Börte, his betrothed. Temujin traveled east, finding Börte still waiting for him. Their marriage brought Temujin Börte's wisdom and counsel, but her dowry was immediately vital: a beautiful sable coat, a valuable item signifying senior status. Temujin presented the sable coat to To'orul, Ong Khan, the powerful ruler of the Kerait kingdom, forging an alliance that had existed between their fathers. He swore loyalty to To'orul, who, in return for the sable coat, promised to reunite Temujin's scattered kingdom. This transformed Temujin's fortunes, gaining him the support of the most powerful local ruler and positioning him as a significant figure on the Mongolian steppe. Contemporaries praised his personality and "fire in his eyes," attributing his success to charisma. To'orul's trust in him was immense. At this stage, Temujin aimed to re-establish what he had lost, but a larger ambition, to reunite and re-establish a much bigger kingdom, began to emerge. As Temujin's influence grew, so did the dangers. The Merkit, a long-time rival of Temujin's father, attacked his camp, kidnapping Börte. Temujin, his mother, and brothers fled on available horses, but Börte was left behind. This dramatic moment left Temujin without his bride and with limited power. To retrieve Börte, he sought help from To'orul, Ong Khan, his overlord. To'orul promised to raise two divisions (nominally 20,000 troops) in return for the sable coat, but advised Temujin to also seek Jamuqa's help. Jamuqa and Temujin, already "Andas" (battle friends), agreed. Jamuqa raised another two divisions, placing one under Temujin's command, marking his first true test of leadership with 10,000 troops. Months later, the combined forces marched north to Merkit territory. Temujin arrived late to the rendezvous, earning a rebuke from Jamuqa, a lesson Temujin included in "The Secret History" about the importance of punctuality in military campaigns. The large army overwhelmed the Merkit, destroying their resistance and causing widespread suffering.