You are listing to An Ounce - season Six episode 6
Wrestling Royalty: The Unmitigated Audacity to Shatter Expectations
Khutulun is a mostly forgotten character in history, but one all of us ought to know a little about. This remarkable Mongolian warrior, horseman, and undefeated wrestler, was a great-grandchild of Genghis Khan. Born to Kaidu Khan, a descendant of the third son of Genghis
Khutulun born sometime around 1260 AD. And raised with 14 brothers. When they were young, they spent their time riding, perfecting their skills with the bow, fighting, and learning the art of battle. And as a part of that, Khutulun became a highly proficient wrestler in the traditional Mongol style.
Undefeated
Challenged over a thousand times, Khatulun was undefeated. No losses, no split decisions, all wins. Wrestling is a very serious sport in the Mongol culture. Unlike today, the competitors then didn’t worry about size or classification by weight – they just wrestled. Grabbing each other by the arms or waist and attempting to throw their opponent to the ground. And once any part of the body of a grappler (except for the feet) touched the ground the match was over.
To keep it interesting the wrestlers would often wager a horse – or several of them - to go to the winner of the match.
Khutulun ended up with a lot of horses.
As time passed Khutulun parents became concerned. So focused on riding, archery, and wrestling this outstanding and proven warrior and military strategist had not taken a spouse. And, being of the family of the Khan, there were plentiful highly attractive possibilities.
This true competitor, made an unusual declaration about who would be chosen. They had to win in a wrestling competition with Khutulun. And, Khutulun didn’t lose – and certainly wouldn’t throw a fight - not for any reason.
There was one bold and courageous suitor who challenged Khutulun with the proposition that if Khutulun won, the prize was 1000 horses, and if the challenger won, it was a wedding. And when the wedding occurred important strategic alliances could be made to strengthen both kingdoms. If the proposal was accepted by Khutulun
Well, Khutulun wasn’t getting any younger, and the pressure within the community was beginning to build for a marriage to take place. So, an agreement was reached with the parents, and for the sake of alliances and the kingdom, the match would be thrown, the wedding would occur.
The stage was set for an epic match.
Just one of the Boys
OK – let take a breath here - before you hear the outcome it might be important to clarify one important point.
Khutulun was the kings … Daughter. This incredible warrior, amazing horseman, and fierce competitor was a girl.
A powerful and unique woman who excelled in what was traditionally a male dominated world. But in the Mongol society of the time, she was quickly becoming an ‘Old Maid’. It was most unseemly that the king's daughter was unwed.
Back to the wrestling match. The princess had agreed to throw the match and get married to support her beloved father. But as the contest progressed Khutulun’s found she didn’t think much of this ‘prince’. So instincts kicked in and she kicked her suitors butt. Destroying the chance for a marriage with him… But joyful taking his 1000 horses.
This impressive woman lived life on her own terms in a time when doing so was unheard of.
Her prowess was described in the writings of Marco Polo. He observed that during battles she would often remain on her horse, at her fathers side, advising him on the battle – and then suddenly, she would break away from him and ride into the thick of the fighting. Marco Polo penned this observation:
“Not a knight in all his train played such feats of arms as she did. Sometimes she would quit her father’s side (during battle) and make a dash at the army of the enemy, and seize some man thereout, as deftly as a hawk pounces on a bird, and carry him to her father.”
An act she repeated often enough to worry those who fought against her clan. As, the unfortunate soldier was usually tortured for information – and then killed.
Did she marry?
Well, Eventually, Khutulun let go of her requirement, that were she to marry anyone, they must first beat her in a Mongolian wrestling match. And finally, she did something a woman of royal birth could seldom do. After having suitors chosen for her, and alliances pushed, – she chose her own mate.
In 1301 her father passed and he wanted her to take over the kingdom as his heir – she refused – once again going her own way, and left that responsibility to her brothers. By 1306 Khutulun was also gone, passing at the age of 45, under mysterious circumstances. Perhaps, as some say, those 14 brothers remained threatened by her presence.
So, here’s the Ounce.
Each of us is unique. Though we are strongly influenced by our DNA and the environment and society we live in, we can – with courage – break through the pre-cast roles assigned to us.
But, there will be a cost for such a trailblazer.
There are 3 questions to answer when breaking from traditions and societal expectation of any kind:
Can it be done?
Should it be done?
Are you willing to pay the price for breaking from the path?
And, That’s it. An Ounce, submitted for your consideration.