Borte
Khatun
Heroine and principal wife to Genghis Khan; made Empress in 1206
Borte is a well known and beloved historic figure and revered by the Mongol people, although there is not much hard information about her.
Much of her story comes from Secret History of the Mongols, and her role in the mythology that surrounds Genghis Khan.
What is known is that women most certainly were pressed into service as warriors. This was by necessity in the pre-empire days but was commonplace later, as well. Women in Mongol society were held in high esteem. It is said that Genghis Khan, a/k/a Temujin, sought the counsel and wisdom of his mother and his wife above all of his other advisors.
Borte was a member of the Buskar clan of the Onggirat tribe of Mongols.
Image at right: the name 'Borte' in Mongol-Uyghur script
Relationships
History
Borte and Temujin were betrothed as children. They played together at her forest home as their fathers haggled over the terms of the marriage agreement. Theirs was a forty year partnership that was also, most assuredly, a love match.
History
As captive of the Merkit tribe early in her marriage to Temujin, Borte was enslaved to Khulan, a young girl and daughter of the tribe's chief. Khulan was cruel to Borte and made her life hell while she was pregnant with Jochi. One day, Borte escaped captivity after killing Khulan's mother, Bulgan, and Temujin came for her in rescue.
Ten years later, Temujin took Khulan as a wife, not knowing who she was. This was a great humiliation for Borte, who never recovered from the betrayal.
