By the year 1280, the once powerful and unified Mongol Empire was slowly falling apart. It was a difficult period, as, instead of saving forces to expand borders, the various Mongol Khans were fighting each other.

At the same time, Kaidu, cousin of Kublai Khan, became one of the most powerful rulers in the Empire. His power extended across Central Asia, from Mongolia to the Amu Darya River. The leader, unlike Kublai, adopted a nomadic lifestyle, in honor of his ancestors.

Kaidu was also one of the only Mongol rulers who opposed Kublai Khan — founder of the Yuan dynasty — and his allies. It was in this period, between wars and conflicts, that Khutulun, daughter of Kaidu, was born - around the year 1260.

Also known as Aiyurug, Khotol Tsagaan and Aigiarne – something that can be read as shining moon – the girl grew up in her father's nomadic lifestyle. Raised with her 14 siblings, she received training in wrestling, horse riding and archery.

Soon, Khutulun began to excel in the arts of war. Thus, she easily became a great warrior, recognized for her prowess in combat. According to Marco Polo, one of the only sources on the young woman's life, she was invaluable in her father's army.

In this regard, it was common for Kaidu to seek his daughter's advice on military matters. She was unstoppable: she would enter the middle of battle, grab an enemy warrior and drag him to her own combat area, always with a huge sword in her hand.

She, of course, was not going to accept marriage so easily. For Khutulun, it was necessary for the perfect suitor to defeat her at what she did best: wrestling. That was how the young woman defeated each of the men who entered Kaidu's palace.

Through the victories, the warrior managed to collect more than 10 thousand horses, all conquered by defeating the suitors. Once, however, a young prince appeared. Of noble birth and with great attributes to offer, he soon won Kaidu's trust.

The warrior's male relatives, however, did not agree with Kaidu's decision. The ruler, therefore, ended up being succeeded by one of his other sons. Years later, around 1306, Khutulun died, aged 46.

2048 x 2048 PNG | Digital Painting by Yomu Yakadashi 2022

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