Story Summary
The White Mare's Son is a legendary Mongolian folk tale about a hero born of a horse who journeys to the underworld to defeat giants and rescue princesses.
In the ancient days of the steppe, a miraculous White Mare gave birth to a human boy. To instill him with divine power, she nursed him for twice seven years. By the time he was grown, the youth possessed such strength that he could uproot the oldest trees of the forest with a single hand. Following his mother’s death, the White Mare’s Son set out to rid the world of darkness. Along his journey, he befriended three strongmen—Tree-Shaker, Mountain-Leveler, and Iron-Kneader—who agreed to help him find the princesses stolen by the multi-headed Mangus demons. Reaching a deep pit that led to the underworld, only the White Mare’s Son had the courage to descend. Below, he found three castles of copper, silver, and gold. In each, he battled a Mangus—first with three heads, then seven, and finally a terrifying twelve-headed beast. With his immense strength, he decapitated the monsters and freed the three princesses. However, when he attempted to climb back up, his companions, consumed by jealousy, cut the rope to trap him forever. Stranded in the dark, the hero saved the chicks of a giant eagle from a serpent. In gratitude, the great bird carried him back to the surface on its wings. Reaching his home, he confronted his treacherous companions, eventually forgiving them and marrying the youngest princess to rule the land in peace.
The Moral
True heroism is defined by the courage to face darkness alone and the strength to forgive those who betray you.
“I was born of the wind and the white mare's milk, and no giant can withstand my stride.”
Fun Fact
In Mongolian culture, the horse is considered a sacred animal and the 'wind horse' (Hiimori) represents the human soul and its spiritual vitality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The White Mare's Son?
It teaches that true power should be used to protect the world and that perseverance can overcome even the deepest betrayals. It also highlights the virtue of mercy through the hero's forgiveness of his companions.
Who are the Mangus in Mongolian folklore?
The Mangus are multi-headed monsters or demons representing chaos, darkness, and destruction. In this story, they have three, seven, and twelve heads and must be defeated to restore order to the world.
Why did the hero nurse from the White Mare for so long?
He nursed for two periods of seven years to gain supernatural strength beyond that of any normal man. This long period of growth allowed him to perform impossible feats like uprooting trees and moving mountains.
Who were the companions of the White Mare's Son?
He was joined by three powerful men: Tree-Shaker, Mountain-Leveler, and Iron-Kneader. Although they were physically strong, they lacked the hero's courage and were ultimately driven by jealousy to betray him.
What role does the White Mare play in the story?
The White Mare is a divine mother figure who bestows her strength upon her human son, symbolizing the sacred connection between the nomadic people and their horses. She represents the source of the hero's purity and power.
How does the hero return from the underworld?
After being abandoned by his companions, the hero saves a nest of eaglets from a dragon. In gratitude, their father, a giant eagle, carries the hero back to the surface world on its back.
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