"Without Genghis Khan's Daughters, There Would Have Been No Mongol Empire"

"Four became ruling queens of their own countries and commanded large regiments of soldiers.  At least one became literate, but several supported scholars, schools, and the publication of religious and educational texts...At court, these noble women wore elaborate headdresses of felt and feathers that rose more than two feet above their ears so they would tower over everyone around them and give (themselves) 'a great luster when they are on horseback.' When they could, they raised their children in peace, but when it was necessary, they put on the helmet of war, took up bows and arrows of battle, and went forth to defend their nation and their families." --Jack Weatherford "The Secret History of the Mongol Queens: How the Daughters of Genghis Khan Saved His Empire."

Some of you are wondering "What the hell does Genghis Khan have to do with the 사극?" I'm so glad you asked!  Because of my fascination with the 고려 Dynasty (it's my favorite, actually), and with 기황후, I had to learn more about the Mongols as they became a significant part of the mid to late 고려 Dynasty.  As an outsider, it's easy for me to demonize the Mongols, however, without the research, it just makes me look like a loud and ignorant ass.  In other words, your quintessential American.  So, I decided to do some homework, and I actually found the Mongol history to be just as fascinating as Korean history.  In the process of sharing this, I hope I don't inadvertantly offend anyone.  I'm aware the status 고려 went through as a Son in Law Nation to the Mongols most certainly wasn't easy.

According to "The Secret History of the Mongol Queens," Genghis Khan had more trust in his daughters than he did his sons.  It is unfortunate that he didn't make one of his daughters the Great Khan, instead of his son Ogodei.  I feel if one of his daughters had been the Great Khan, our world today would be very different.  As it was, prior to Ogodei taking over, Genghis Khan married his daughters off to various princes of Kingdoms within his Empire.  He then had these princes serve in high risk military positions, as odds were great that they would die, and then his daughters would have power over the various kingdoms.  And then the prince could be replaced with a new prince of a different kingdom.

 

I think it is really neat that Genghis Khan had that kind of trust in his daughters, and I thought it was amazing that they delivered.  They delivered so well, that after his passing, his sons and their wives went to great lengths to destroy them.  You see, the rulership of the daughters was most certainly a threat to the sons, and I'm sure it didn't make the sons look good.  His sons often depended on others to rescue them, but they never did the rescuing.  While his daughters could be relied upon to pull through.  I imagine this created a lot of tension among the family, gossip among the people.

 

According to Mongol culture, the women handled money, bartering, and commerce.  Which is something that gave his daughters an advantage when they were married into other kingdoms.  It was an extra level of education when it came to political negotiation, which the girls most certainly had to do, especially when the people of these other kingdoms weren't so receptive to them.

 

While the husband was at war, the wife had authority over civilian life, and indeed, when it came to dual leadership, Genghis Khan had it symbolized in the image of a man and woman, instead of the previous image of father and son.  His thinking was that "Whoever can keep a house in order can keep a territory in order." As opposed to my white, American culture where women running the household tend to be looked down upon and stigmatized by both men and women.

 

I also like the attitude Genghis Khan had about the paternity of his first child, as his wife had temporarily been captured by another tribe, and briefly married to another man.  He stated that the way she became pregnant was no one's business.  What mattered to him was that the child was raised well.  I think that's a great attitude to have, as there are many cultures who base their gender roles on the inability to prove paternity in Ancient times.  Such as keeping women from having any sort of contact with other men wo the husband could sleep well at night knowing her kids were his.  Or how a man can be wildly promiscous, no problem, but a woman cannot.  All of that centers around reassuring the father and his family (especially if they are high status) that all of his children are his.  Genghis Khan's attitude was most definitely a break from the norm.

 

Because his daughters already had experience in managing civilian and household matters, putting them in charge of kingdoms was simply common sense.  And they proved him right.  Why is it still a battle for most modern women to prove their capability in spite of Genghis Khan's daughters being a stellar example is beyond me.