Interview with Genghis Khan
88Interview with Genghis Khan
I know what you are thinking. Genghis died in the year 1227. That’s almost 800 years ago. True. But there have been many remarkable new developments in cryogenic research that you may not be aware of. I learned recently of Genghis’ defrosted re-emergence and was fortunate to get this one interview with him before the paparazzi descended. Herewith is our conversation verbatim.
me – Nice to meet you, Emperor Khan. (I know that sounds redundant but I didn’t know how else to address him). May I call you Genghis?
Genghis – If you like, although my real name is Temujin.
me – That’s an interesting name. What does it mean?
Genghis – Damned if I know. My father, Yesugei Borjigin, and my mother, Ho’elen, named me. But it was really hard for me growing up when my friends started with all those ‘Yo, momma,’ jokes. You can easily imagine how they shortened my momma’s name.
me – Oh, yes. It seems people had uncommon names in those days.
Genghis – Really? What about Lady Gaga? Duchess O’Blunt? frogdropping? de Greek? Sweetsusie? Epigramman? Prettydarkhorse? Are those common names?
Early Years
me – Good point, Genghis. Where were you born?
Genghis – In Hentley province, Mongolia near the Onon River. Around 1162. I can’t be certain of the date since they didn’t keep very good records then. You could call Andy Rooney. He might remember.
me – Did you have any siblings?
Genghis – Any what?
me – Any brothers or sisters?
Genghis – Sure. I was the oldest with three brothers, Imaad, Khajiun, and Temüge, and one sister, Temulin, as well as two half-brothers, Bekhter and Belgutei.
It was pretty crowded growing up in that small yurt. We would all have been sleeping in one bed . . . if beds had been invented. But I knew I would own a bigger yurt one day.
If you read just one book about Genghis Khan, read the first one by Jack Weatherford
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me – Why is that?
Genghis – When I was born I was holding a large blood clot in my fist – that’s a divine sign that I was destined to rule the largest world empire ever established. Like Rhode Island.
me – Good to know. I have read that the Mongol tribes were nomads. So you moved around a lot?
Genghis – yeah, my early years were difficult. Today, children play games like ‘Duck, Duck, Goose, Hide and Seek or Red Rover’. When I was young, we played ‘Duck, Duck, Kill the Goose, Hide and Stab, or Red Rover, Red Rover, Your Life is Over’.
My father delivered me to the family of my future wife when I was only nine years old as part of a pre-arranged marriage agreement. I was supposed to live there working for my future father-in-law until I reached the mature age of 12 and got married.
That didn’t happen because my father who was head of the Borjigin clan was poisoned on his journey home by the neighboring Tatars in retaliation for his raids against them. I think they served him a pizza with bad mushrooms. This gave me a legitimate claim to be my clan's chief, but the clan refused to be led by a pre-teen and abandoned me and my family.
me – That’s really tough.
Genghis – You have no idea! For the next few years, my family and I were very poor nomads living on wild fruits, fish, small game, and lots of marmots.
me – Marmots?
Genghis – We called them marmots. You call them large rats. I must admit that one time I ‘lost it” when we all were starving and my half-brother, Bekhter, didn’t want to share his hunting spoils with the rest of us. I fought him and he died. I did what I had to do and became head of the family.
me – Did your mother ever forgive you?
Genghis – Yes, she understood and she was the one who taught me how to survive in the harsh world we were living in. She taught me the importance of trust and independence. She used to say, “Temujin, remember you have no companions but your shadow.” That didn’t make much sense to me when I was young but later I realized she meant be your own man and don’t trust completely anyone but yourself..
She also explained the realities of the political climate in Mongolia with its many separate and antagonistic clans. Much like your Democrats and Republicans and the Coffee Party.
me – I think you are referring to the Tea Party. Moving on, what would you say is the most important lesson you learned from your mother?
Genghis – The importance of making alliances with others was a lesson I never forgot. Two of my future generals, Jeime and Bo’orchu, joined my family and together with my four brothers and the rest of my clan formed the beginning of my army.
me – Did you get married?
Genghis – Yes. I married Borte of the Konkirat tribe when I was 16. It was one of those tribal alliances. She was later kidnapped in a raid by the Merkit tribe and I rescued her from her new, temporary Merkit husband with the help of my friends. When I became Emperor she was my only empress but I had several other wives as well – tradition, you know. There was Ujin, Kulan, Yisugen,Yisui – I can’t remember them all.
Mongolian Empire
I loved Borte the most but our first child, Jochi, was born less than nine months after I rescued her from the Merkits so there was always that little nagging doubt in my mind. We had three more sons too: Chagatai. Ögedei, and Tolui.
Note: Genghis Khan also had many other children with his other wives, but they were excluded from succession, and records on what daughters he may have had are scarce. No surprise.
me - When did you become a Khan?
Genghis - When I was 27 I was elected Khan by my clan and I gave the best jobs to my relatives and most loyal followers. As we conquered more and more people I didn’t follow custom by looting and leaving. Instead I assimilated them into my growing Mongol army I was listening to television recently and heard your president say,” Punish your enemies and reward your friends." He got that line from me. That was my philosophy.
A few years later I was confirmed as Chingis Khaan (Genghis Khan) or leader of all Mongolia. My army grew and grew to the point where they were unbeatable. I united the Mongol tribes and forged a powerful army based on meritocracy, and became one of the most successful military leaders in history.
We went on to conquer central Asia, the Middle East and the Caucasus. In fact – a little PR here – in a span of just 25 years, my horsemen conquered a larger area with greater population than the Romans did in 400 years.
The movie, "Mongol" was nominated for an Oscar in 2007
me – That really is remarkable. Genghis, are you aware that some historians have characterized you as a barbarian who was evil, cruel and brutal? They say you slaughtered the inhabitants of entire villages if they resisted you.
Genghis - I behaved no differently than other conquerors at that time. I was no more cruel, just more successful. And the people in the villages and towns were warned beforehand by my advance publicity crew not to resist.
me - You had an advance publicity crew? Like the one used by the circus?
Genghis - Yes, where do you think P. T. Barnum learned that strategy? My crew spread gossip and scare tactics in advance so that villagers would be more frightened, surrender quickly and less bloodshed would take place.
I knew what my people wanted - they wanted everything in life that is good and nothing that is bad. I knew I could not promise that so instead I pledged to share both the sweet and the bitter of life with them. I constantly made alliances – I didn’t want to end up being poisoned like my father. And I attacked anyone who posed a serious threat. Just like the politicians today do on television. They learned that from me, too.
Key Achievements
me - Which are your proudest achievements?
Genghis - Well, recently I met George Bush. That’s him in the photo with me.
me - No, I meant back in the day.
Genghis - Most people don't know this but I helped create a writing system for the Mongolian language based on the existing Uyghur script, developed a paper currency, and created the first ever Pony Express to communicate with my warriors in the field.
As I encountered new cultures, I adopted or adapted their best practices, and constantly updated my tactics and strategies. Steve Jobs learned that from me.
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Who was Genghis Khan?
How would you characterize him?
See results without votingGreat Yasa Code
I was responsible for bringing Law to my people. I never learned to read and write, too busy catching marmots for food. So I had one of my teacher-followers inscribe on scrolls a code of laws known as the Great Yasa. Roughly translated, this Mongol code included the following:
• The spoils of war - we used to call it booty although I discovered it has a new meaning now - were divided evenly among all my warriors regardless of their status.
• A soldier may get drunk no more than three times a month.
• After the death of his father, a son may dispose of the father's wives, all except his mother; he may marry them or give them in marriage to others.
• An adulterer is to be put to death without any regard as to whether he is married or not.
• Whoever is guilty of sodomy is to be put to death.
• All Mongols are ordered to present all their daughters to the Khan at the beginning of each year that he might choose some of them for himself and his children. (January was my favorite month).
• Children born of a concubine are to be considered as legitimate
• Whoever urinates into water or ashes is also to be put to death.
• The kidnapping of women is forbidden. (Borte, my bride, had been kidnapped and my mother, Ho'elen, had been kidnapped from her husband by Yesugei, my father!)
• Respect all religions, the aged and the poor. (I myself worshipped the sky).
• Whoever takes goods on credit and becomes bankrupt, then again takes goods and again becomes bankrupt, then takes goods again and yet again becomes bankrupt is to be put to death after he third time. (No sissy credit cards in my kingdom).
There were many more laws as well and whoever violates these commands is put to death.
Secret Burial Site
me – Speaking of death, the mystery of where you were buried has long intrigued historians. Do you know where that secret burial site was?
Genghis – I’m not certain but I did meet
Jimmy Hoffa. He was buried right next to me.
me - you met Jimmy Hoffa? Where? Where?
. . . and then I woke up!
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Cleopatra Last Pharaoh of Egypt Until now I have been using my superhuman skills in superior, supernatural interviewing to talk with dead people famous but altogether dead people who were rulers... - Interview with Napoleon Bonaparte
Good news! I have invented a praiseworthy process for interviewing famous people who are no longer around . . . to defend themselves . . . or sue for libel. After my first interview with Genghis Khan ... - Interview with Dracula
You already know all about my superior, supernatural method of interviewing if you read my previous interviews with Genghis Kahn and Napoleon Bonaparte. Succinctly stated, I see (and interview)dead people" - Fokk University
Fokk University is often referred to affectionately by its graduates as Fokk U. It is rumored that several of Genghis Khan's direct descendants are members of the Fokk U Board of Directors.
Footnote:
Genghis Khan's descendants extended the empire and maintained power in the region for several hundred years, in civilizations in which harems and concubines were the norm. And the males were extremely prolific. His eldest son is reported to have had 40 sons. His grandson, Kublai Khan, who established the Yuan Dynasty in China, had 22 legitimate sons, and was reported to have added 30 virgins to his harem each year.
Genghis may have done more than rule the largest empire in the world. According to a recently published genetic study, he may have helped populate it, too. Almost 8% of the men living in the former Mongol empire carry y-chromosomes that are nearly identical. That translates to roughly 16 million descendants living today.
Sources: Mayell, Hillary, "National Geographic News." 2003.
Ratchnevsky, Paul. ''Genghis Khan: His Life and Legacy.'' Blackwell Publishing, 1991.
Weatherford, Jack. "Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World." Three Rivers Press, 2005.
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© Copyright BJ Rakow Ph.D. 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Author, "Much of What You Know about Job Search Just Ain't So."Readers of my book say it provided the information they needed to write a dynamic resume and cover letter, network effectively, interview professionally, and negotiate assertively. Includes a chapter for older workers.
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I am almost sure the great emperor used Face Book frequently to communicate with his extended family every time his blackbuerry was down or the Mongolian secret service limited its use; "the more things change, the more they stay the same"
Would have been interesting to ask him about an effective voting system - I am sure he had one that worked better than ours - maybe next time, so please keep the communication open, we have a lot to learn
No words except for just Great and the feeling of joy and inspiration within me!
Wow drbj..even the great Genghis K. gets wireless internet at his secret yurt, right there in the middle of the Mongolian desert? ...who knew? I wish I had you for a history teacher, I probably would have done better than a 32...oh well. Very clever, my dear.
[p.s. could I persuade (read..bribe) you to cast multiple votes for my Kitchen Appliances hub in Stan's loony hub contest? Could I perhaps interest you in..say..a year's supply of Bowel Buddy?]
I love your writing sytle, drbj. Was a great read - this one! Incidentally, I am fascinated by Genghis Khan's story. It is mind boggling to comprehend how he built as vast an empire like he did.
The mystery behind his burial site and the supposed treasures it might contain adds to the aura that surrounds this Mongolian legend.
Thank you, drbj, for this good read. You never disappoint :)
So, did you offer the Khan a bud, sit around watching football and scratch your butts? After all you became such good buds.
What a wonderful hub! Loved it. Lynda
I love your interview! It is so fun. Glad you got to talk to him before the paparazzi got to him! :)
I like your stlye. I'll look out for more. Good job.
Very cleverly written, especially with that twist at the end. Thank you for the joy of reading it.
Excellent and beautiful and rated up, up, up! Kahn and Bush, what a concept.
And I noticed timorous using her comment to bribe you. Well, I shall up the ante, I can offer you a lifetime supply of all the metal clips (paper clips) and rubber bands currently residing in my desk! You will never run out of office supplies again! So vote for "Do it yourself surgery and curing acne with a cheese grater". I really want that 15 bux!
Also, I can send you an extra copy of "Worth Dying For". A $25 dollar value! And I know you love Reacher...
Thank you, sord, for stopping by. I have deleted the videos that would not display. Thank you for letting me know. Your are herewith awarded the Genghis Khan Medal of Honor for swiftness and diligence.
I agree, Genghis is a legend who will never die. The pleasure of sharing is all mine.
You would have been a very valuable addition to his press corps, Petra. Genghis did use his Pony Express extensively for communication (he would have loved Facebook).
Anyone who interfered in any way with an Express rider or horse was immediately put to death. That might be something to think about to put a little life (or the opposite) into our flagging postal service.
With reference to voting, he appointed commanders and then allowed them to make decisions in the field based on his strategies of course.
And he did allow the residents of villages he was planning to attack to vote - whether to resist or capitulate.
Hello, alberich. "... the feeling of joy and inspiration within you?" And great, too. We must talk further.
Hi, timorous. Have to tell you, I am enchanted by your avatar and the images it conjures.
Although I never really taught history (the past) - I was too busy helping execs change their future - I do believe more humor in the classroom would go a long way to improving both attendance and students' retention.
Thanks for the "very clever." With regard to your "Appliances" hub, I will take another look. For your information, I am far above taking a bribe of "Bowel Buddy," but below a year's supply of chocolate chip cookies ... with pecans!
Thank you, shil, for your gracious comments. You never disappoint me either with your kind thoughts.
You are absolutely spot on with your comment about the vast empire crated by Genghis. And without modern weaponry or communications technology. Or Twitter!
I love you, too, Lynda, for loving it. Just proves you possess superb taste in reading material. :)
And speaking of taste, Genghis was more into yak yoghurt than Bud but he did like to drink the very fermented version which provided a nice little buzz.
If sports on TV had been available, I'm certain his favorite teams would have been the Giants and the Bulls.
Thank you, Ivorwen, for enjoying the fun. I had fun, too, writing this epic story.
And when I learned the news about the millions of descendants Genghis may have been responsible for, it blew my mind. That was the icing on the cake.
How nice to meet you, rafken, thanks for the visit and "liking my style." That's a comment I hardly ever receive about the way I dress!
And a promise is a promise. So I'll expect to see more of you, too.
Hi, hello. Delighted you enjoyed this hub and the twist at the end. I labored over that for some time . . . at least 30 seconds! :)
It's always my pleasure to have you stop by. Thank you.
I knew, Lela, you would especially appreciate the irony of Genghis and Bush as buddies. That image was destined from its creation to find a place of honor on this hub.
Although as I mentioned previously, I am far above taking a bribe for your humorous combination of three topics in Stan's contest, I might be swayed by a copy of Reacher's latest book . . . personally autographed to me indicating I am his idol! :)
Godd Doctor bj - Plenty of memorable quotations, such as "...largest world empire ever established. Like Rhode Island.
You must be a really fast writer. I understand that Mongolians talk a mile a minute. I actually was a witness to that over at the local "Mongolian Barbecue" joint.
Gus :-)))
This without a doubt is magnificent.Who in their right mind would think of an interview with Genghis Khan? ( not to imply that you are without a sound mind ) lol
Really this was so entertaining.I loved it.Thank you.
Cheers
I enjoyed this hub very much. The presentation is unique, refreshing and stuffed with great appreciated humor. I am so glad I was not alive in that time slot. I did some Mongolic dances on your buttons :))))
Genghis was a leader ahead of his time and one super stud. He had no shortage of woman in his tents. I'm sure Bill Clinton looked up to the Khan whose diet of Marmot must have put a lot of lead in this ruler's pencil to produce such an ancestry and legacy of 16 million.
And committing sodomy was a real pain in the ass, let alone urinating in the water meant being put to death. Yikes. I think the Khan would have made an excellent student at FU university of higher learning, he actually could have taught a class in Economics and bankruptcy laws maybe he would have put a scare into the students. After 3 you number is up:0))
LOL...great hub, had me laughing most of the way through it. And that picture shaking hands with the Bushwhacker was great...Rate it UP and UP and UP bravo. I did my mongolian moon walk all over your buttons:0)
Fantabulous! I so enjoyed reading your witty interview. I especially loved the Yasa Code. Thank you for this pleasure. :D
He was a dwarf about 3 1/2 feet tall - just think of what he would have done had he been "super-sized"!
He also left his mark on his conquests in Europe during his invasion there. Someone estimated that he impregnated over 3,000 women during his brief stay. I think the men of the area got so jealous that they finally drove him out... Many of the people in that area today still carry his high cheek bones.
drbj,
I love the mix of history/information with humor. The interview style is very well done. You have taught me something while entertaining me yet again.
I laughed out loud at the idea of Genghis meeting George Busch, and all the people he mentioned who stole his ideas. And just so you know, you need to change my vote to "All of the above" because I didn't notice that option was there until after I clicked. :)
You are a genius, drbj. What a masterful presentation! Who knows, you may have Khan's Y chromosome as well. By now it has been scattered all over the world, so he may actually be your great (to the 6 or 16) grand uncle. He didn't even live very long, but I hear he had fun up to the last moment of his life!
I just read James A Watkins' hub on the same subject. Are you guys talking about the same person? Ah, I've got it! The photo op with Bush tells it all. Yours is the kindler and gentler version (I know, wrong Bush :) ).
Dear Gus - as a 'phrase-turner' of some repute yourself, I knew you would appreciate the 'Rhode Island' analogy.
And you may be right about the rapid speech patterns of Mongolians - I couldn't understand a word when I dined at our local Mongolian barbeque. But I kept saying, "Long Live Genghiz" and all went well. In fact, one of the owners gave me his card and told me to call. Do you know anyone who speaks Uyghur?
You are taking a really big leap there, always exploring, intimating that I am of sound mind. Would you put that in a sworn deposition for me to share with my parole officer? :)
Thank you for the "magnificent and entertaining" and loving it.
I may do some more interviews if I see any more "dead people." Any suggestions?
Hi, Martie. How I would love to see the "Mongolian dancing" you did on my buttons! Would the musical accompaniment be something like the Greek music from the film, "Zorba"?
"Unique, refreshing and stuffed with humor," you say? It doesn't get any better than that. Thank you, thank you.
I dunno, Ken, whether it was the marmot meat or the yak yogurt, but few rulers cold match the prolific propensity of Genghis' gratuitous gallivanting. What a cousins' club that must be?
We do have a few of his direct descendants on the Fokk U board - they are superb at keeping order during board meetings. A little scimitar waving goes a long way.
Thank you for all those UP ratings and the Mongolian moonwalk on the buttons. You and Martie would make a peachy pair.
Thanks for appreciating the Bush pic - that was a photo opportunity I couldn't pass up.
Hi, James, you are so welcome. You will notice that I included a link to your Genghis' hub since we both found such disparate views of this man.
Yours seemed to be more in the merciless monster mode while I focused on the 'tender tyrant'. But we both agree he was an exceptional commander and empire builder.
And the pleasure was all mine.
Hello, M.A., so nice to meet you. Genghis was not a tall fellow but he possessed the piercing eyes of an eagle, a muscular frame and the intimidating body language of a conqueror.
Yes, his high cheek bones are not the only Mongolian legacy as 16 million people living today can attest. Thanks for stopping by.
Ah, A.C., I love your comments. So pleasant, so commendable, so true!
Delighted you enjoyed my interview style hub - I like it, too. I first used it on my hub about the "Star-Nose Mole." Will probably employ that literary technique again.
Thank you for letting me 'entertain' you.
Hi, nettraveller, with that 'masterful presentation" comment, you are most welcome any time.
What is that adage about six degrees of separation? With all the progeny created by Genghis, the actual statistic may be much less.
Social security wasn't invented yet when Genghis died at 65 but he didn't need it. With all those wives, concubines and harem beauties, he had more than enough of 'social' interaction! :)
Thanks for your visit. And the clever insight of the kind and gentler emperor.
What a hoot drbj..lol. You would make a great teacher, I really learnt a few things there.
I was intrigued by the Yasa Code...the Khan had it made eh, with that "all Mongols must present their daughters"..very convenient...and "whoever urinates into water or ashes is also to be put to death". Seems a little harsh!
Great job, cheers
Very useful. It brought Genghiz Khan before my eyes. I have great interest on this subject. His empire, the largest ever, established by a single person did not last long. But his soldiers conquered areas as far as Constantinople in the west to the dateline in the east. Thanks for the author.
hahaha... you'd be tough too if you had to sleep in a Yert. LOL
Genghis Khan will always be a part of the Mongolia history. Please confirm if his brother Imaad that you mentioned is the same person as Khasar or Qasar. I think Jochi Khasar (a.k.a. Khabutu Qasar) was one of his three full brothers. Your interview style made your hub more interesting to read. This is a great way of presenting information about the past.
Delighted by your visit, Jane, so happy to acquaint you with some of the finer points of ole Genghis' life and loves.
I guess that "presenting your daughters" deal was something like a debutante ball for young women with Genghis as the door prize.
I can understand a harsh penalty for fouling water, but the ashes rule was perplexing to me. Thanks for taking the time to considerately comment.
Thank you for the visit and the gracious comments, Venugopal. Nice to meet you.
You are so right, Genghis conquered more territory than any other emperor and in a shorter time span. Without modern weaponry.
Yes, Art, sleeping on a small cot would be bad enough, but sleeping in a small yurt with so many other relatives must have been even worse. Although it probably kept them warm on a cold winter's night. :)
I think all that marmot hunting when he was young also toughened him up.
Happy to see you here, Tina. Thanks for stopping by. Regarding Genghis' brothers, my references name them as Imaad, Khajiun, and Temüge.
Jochi was Genghis son and had been selected to rule when Genghis died but Jochi died before Genghis. His grandson, Kublai Khan became the ruler of the Yuan empire in China.
Thank you for enjoying my "interview style". It's one of my favorite ways to present information in a palatable manner.
I will look up that other hub you mentioned about the mole!
What an imaginative and creative way to present history! Enjoyed reading your hub with all the historical information and humor! Too bad more teachers don't use this tactic when teaching history!
nice hub
light attitude to history
heres one i made earlier
called
The Battle of Vindaloo
On a hill,beneath the trees
Genghis Khan was on his knees
A curry from the Taj Mahal
Had laid low this mighty man.
He ordered his marauding hordes
To search the punjab high and low
And reek revenge on holy shrines
Because of the burning in his hole.
Fetch me the head of Amir the chef
Who made this poison in a bowl.
Fetch me some steppe grass.Hurry please!
Can't you see I'm on my knees.
They razed the city to the ground
And left no stone upon a stone
Genghis Khan took little part
Requesting to be left alone.
Next morning they all trudged on
Old Genghis and his hungry hordes
With flame grilled yak to rid the taste
Of Amir's curried chole bowl.
don't intend to offend /hope it wasn't too rude
You know, I somehow did not notice the link to my Hub. Thank you very much for that. I appreciate it. :D
Thanks, AC, I made a slight mistake about the mole. I mentioned "The Star Nose Mole" but it is "The Naked Mole Rat" with the interview style I wanted to mention.
Just goes to prove I don't know my mole from a hole in the ground. :)
Hello, Successful Living, how nice to meet you here. Thank you for your gracious comments - "imaginative and creative" are two of my favorite adjectives.
I totally agree with you that if teachers would find more ways to inject a bit of humor into history lessons and such, there would be fewer students dropping out of school.
Come back and visit any time.
I enjoyed your rhyming comment, luabo, thank you. And those who know me have probably never seen me offended. Surprised and hysterical perhaps, but not offended.
So it's no problem. Pleasure to meet you.
It's my pleasure to include your link, James. I believe it gives my efforts the mark of respectability. :)
And if you would like to link mine to yours, be my guest.
Oh my Giddy Aunt, That was brilliant to the highest degree.
We learn great things from you our Teacher.
You know when you said Big G's sign tha he was to ruel the world was due to the fact he was born with a blood clot ( i've just done the sign that goes with the last two words. Ya know snappin me fingers in the air. " what ya no " yo yo maaaaan, ) ( sorry )
in his hand. Well I was born with the cord around me Neck !
So what's my divine right ! ? and before ya say it, I know it was to breath.
Any road up, please oh please O great Master of our Universe, ( well hubland )
Please do a Hub on Napoleon.
He is so great he doesnt need his last name,
That reminds me. Do you think Dolly knows more on Geng, ( i feel I know him well enough now, Thanx to you )
than she lets on, cos she also gives all the jobs to all her relatives.
Fantastic Hub, you're a Prince among Men. : ]
This was absolutely delightful, drbj! I agree with other hubbers' comments. You would have been one hell of a good teacher. You could have written a rather boring historical hub, but your combining history with humor was masterful!
Yo, Debbie. Re your question about the umbilical cord necktie at birth, I know that in the middle ages a child born with a caul (part of the amniotic sac) on his or her head was thought to be destined for great things just like ole Genghis with his blood clot.
So can I expect you to run for high office soon?
I have considered doing hubs on other famous long-gone historical figures so ole Bonaparte may be added to that list.
In the meantime, thanks for your generous comments - "brilliant" and "fantastic" are some of my faves.
Hi, Art, I could never be as fantastic as you - especially with your tattoo graphics and videos. Thanks for the "awesome" and "brilliantly presented". You are welcome to return - any time.
Hope your weekend is awesome - just don't break the hearts of too many of those lil red-headed gals.
Ah, mystery lady, you discovered my secret, sort of. Although I have never been a teacher per se, I have taught various and sundry subjects as a professor and seminar leader. And I learned early on, the best way to keep a student motivated and AWAKE is to inject humor and laughter wherever possible. So I try to do that with my hubs, too, if it's applicable.
Thanks for noticing that and the "delightful" and "masterful" adjectives.
Clever, entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable drbj. One of the best hubs I've read in ages. Loving history as I do, this was an absolute treat. Wonderfully, beautifully ... drbj-fully done. Utter class :)
Hello, dear Andria, I've missed you. I am enamored of your wonderfully sublime comments, dare I say literally, your little frog "droppings".
You do know how to turn a phrase replete with smashing adjectives: "clever, entertaining, enjoyable, absolute treat, wonderfully, beautifully and the fabulous drbj-fully done."
Thank you, thank you, you're the one m'luv, with utter class. :)
Rhode Island is probably better off without Mr. Khan, but Delaware might benefit from a change in leadership.
Is the mean guy from Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan related to Genghis ?
Oh, by the way, I plan to steal this format very soon. :)
Yes, nicomp, Delaware does need some help.
Of course, the meanie, Wrath of Khan, is related to Genghis. He's the one who makes the number of descendants reach the total of 16 million.
And you don't have to steal the format. I will gladly sell it to you. Look for it on ebay soon. :)
Being funny while dropping knowledge - not easy to do! This hub was delightful. You should do a whole series!
What a nifty comment, glenn - "being funny while dropping knowledge." That's precisely the point of what I try to do to make history appealing and memorable.
Delighted you caught my drift. It's a pleasure to meet you and thanks for your perceptive comment.
Create a series? That's a nifty idea, too. Perhaps I shall.
Temujin is the period dialect of Mongolian for "Iron," in case you were wondering.
Love your writing style.
Thank you, Big John, for taking the time to visit and educate me on the meaning of Temujin in Mongolian. "Iron" is a very appropriate name for Genghis - he had the will and drive of iron that an emperor must have. And I WAS wondering - couldn't find it anywhere.
Delighted to meet you, almasi. Thank you for "loving my writing style." That, of course, is why I love you! :)
Enjoyed this, as I enjoy everything you write. I noticed you commented you might do an interview with Bonaparte. That would be great. Marco Polo is another charcter who might have a lot to say, and I'd really be interested in what he would tell you.
Thank you, sheila, for enjoying everything I write. I enjoy hearing from you.
An interview with Napoleon and one with Marco Polo? Why not? I'll add them to my list which is getting longer and longer. But I'm happy to get the suggestions. Thanks for visiting and commenting. :)
great article
Thank you, substance, a comment of substance from a commenter of substance. Doesn't get much better than that. FYI - M. Bonaparte is the next emperor I will exhume.
...well you know the epigramman would love this one - and to be mentioned in the same breath as G. Khan on a stellar hub by DRBJ - well it dosen't get any better than that - you have a lot of wonderful and essential hubs but I'd have to say this is my favorite so far - a very creative and irreverent idea but yet you teach us so much about his factual life with great images and videos it's just too hard to resist - so I would call this your masterpiece with the inimitable ability you have to educate and entertain at the same time - and not everyone can do this sort of thing - but you do it so well .... and of course your comments to me as you know (and to others who must read them) are little poetic gems ......lucky me to have you do so!
I did a report on Genghis Khan in 6th grade, we dressed up like people from history and acted like a wax museum. Fascinating man.
Mongolian history! You never really know what you'll find on HP! Too bad you woke up, drbj! :)
I know that you know by now that I surprise you once in a while. One of my favorite books I have read was a military book on the battle technique of Khan. He was something else.
I really did like this hub. Thank you for the fun and info mixed together.
What a great idea for a hub. Wonderfully presented and interesting.
K9
Marmots? Hmmm, I have a few here, wonder if they taste better fried or roasted over an open fire? I should probably fatten them up a bit before Thanksgiving!
You should have been a teacher!! They would have lined up for your classes in droves, no matter what the lessons.
I can only imagine the interview that will one day happen when someone comes to you for it! They will have to use a video recorder as well as a tape recorder to make sure and get all the good parts!!!
You never cease to amaze me with your wit and intelligence.
GREAT HUB!!!
You scored an "awesome" for this one, and a new "follower."
I loved Conn Iggulden's series on the Kahn who lived in Gers.
Well organised!
Hahaah , nice buddy. I luv it
interesting hub
Thanks
My dear Colin - How do I count the ways that I enjoy our interactions and reading the sublime comments you post on my fortunate hubs? As well as reading your stunning, ingenious poetry on your hubs.
I am truly blessed and I do appreciate you and your generosity in allowing me to post my attempted poetic gems (?) on your genuine poetic hubs.
You nailed the essence of my existence - inform, educate and entertain simultaneously. Delighted you discovered that.
I'm so pleased that you enjoyed this effort re Genghis. Take a look at my second edition - the interview with Napoleon Bonaparte and let me know what you think. :)
Hi, Trinsick, so nice to meet you. You are so right - Genghis was a fascinating ruler who despite his lack of education turned out to be an extremely intelligent leader.
Did you dress up that day in History class as Genghis? What a fun idea. Cheers to your teacher.
Thank you, Feline Prophet for enjoying my hub so much you didn't want me to wake up. What a compliment!
Feel free to return any time, and take a look at my second historical effort: "Interview with Napoleon Bonaparte."
Ah, BJ, my namesake. Where have you been? I've missed your smiling visage.
"Fun and info mixed together" - that's one of my favorite occupations. Thank you for noticing and commenting.
Don't be a stranger. :)
K9keystrokes - since your name indicates you are a friend of canines, then I am a friend of yours.
Thanks for your kind comments - it's my pleasure to meet you.
susie, you got me with that mental picture of marmots roasting over an open fire. I spose it's OK if you're not roasting them in your fireplace. Ugh!
Funny you should mention students lining up for droves for my classes. I taught a college class in "Assertive Behavior" expecting perhaps 12 or 15 females to sign up. Turns out the class size was 75 - with 3/4 of them males. Had to move the class from a small classroom to an auditorium. That was an eye-opener for me. I guess word got around that I could make a serious subject interesting.
Still trying to do that today. Thank you for the visit and the delicious comments. "wit and intelligence." I can go for another week on those alone. :)
Hello, Wesman, how nice to meet you. Thanks for both stopping by and following.
And the "awesome" comment is appreciated. Thank you for that, too. And the reference to Conn Igguiden - I will find some of his work to read, too.
Hello, UAG. Welcome. "Well organized," eh? That's a smashing comment.
Short, but smashing. Thank you.
Hi, miclee, thanks for the "ha has, the nice and luving it." I aim to please.
Hello, jacob - the thanks are mine. Thanks for the visit and finding the hub "interesting." Nice to have you stop by.
Ho0w did I miss this???
Please ask him where the loot is :-)))
Great hub, and I really liked the video clip...enough that I want to see the whole movie.
The death sentence for urinating on ashes likely came from the difficulty of starting a fire from scratch. Any embers and charcoal-like chunks left at the bottom of a fire pit would help to expidite the starting of the next fire. Many desert and plains areas also have little wood or fuel for fires. Cow, yak and camel dung is a common fuel for cooking fires and will absorb moisture more readily than wood. Pissing on the unburned fuel lingering in the ashes would be very wasteful and a bit like spitting in the soup. Creating a harsh penalty prevents anyone urinating on any fires...ever. And urine steam can be pretty stinky after a night of fermented yak milk.
Cheers.
CP
Hi, Dimi. What loot? I don't know anything about any loot. My lips are sealed. Forgive me If I am not available for s while. I'm taking a trip - a long trip.
BTW, do you know where I can find a book that translates Uyghur to English?
Thank you for visiting, Christopher. You have now become my "go-to" person for relatively obscure, until now, facts about the danger of urinating on fires, either active or passive.
I appreciate the information and am extremely thankful we no longer have to cook with cow, yak, camel or any other dung. Speaking of dung, which I am not wont to do, take a look at my hub on "The Dung Beetle."
Thanks for your perspicacious comments.
drbj,
Wow! Are you inventive! Great way to present history. Thank you! Wish I had read this before my travels to China.
Wow, thank you GG. I've always believed that history or almost any other subject, except perhaps calculus, is more palatable when delivered with a light touch. Thank you for the visit and the "inventive."
Now you can visit China again with all this added info.
I have no clue how I missed this and oh my gosh - you are too funny for words (as we all know already). I love how you give us the facts but then you put in all the zingers. Gotta love the advance publicity folks and the 'yo mamma' references.
I also kinda like those rules of life....any adulterer should be put to death - regardless of being married or not - sounds good to me! Also he who urinates in ashes or water, maybe a little harsh but guess it would teach other people to not do it, eh?
Also love the Coffee Party.....god you crack me up! Thanks for giving me a poke on my hub and so glad I read these.....these are masterpieces!
Oh this is brilliant lady I laughed all the way through it, I especially like the yert and I guess I would have been grumpy too if I had to grow up in one. Btw you have long dreams I cant remember half of mine although I know I have them they seem to be fading out as I get older. Rated up and pushed your buttons as well. cheers.
I am currently reading a biography of Ghengis Khan. Would have been much quicker and more informative to have read this hub. Very enjoyable. Thanks.
lolol...Well done!!
I love this part "When I was born I was holding a large blood clot in my fist – that’s a divine sign that I was destined to rule the largest world empire ever established. Like Rhode Island."
Thank you drbj...:-)
Hi, Audrey, So glad you found Genghis; it wouldn't have been the same without you visiting and leaving your lovable comments.
Really appreciate you appreciating the finer things like my zingers interspersed with historical facts like GK's advance publicity crew, his bullying by "yo mamma" comments, etc.
Funny, but when I read his rule about punishment by death of those who urinate on ashes, I, too, thought it was a bit harsh even by Mongolian standards. But Christpher, a few comments before you, explained that wood and dung for fire-starting might have been in short supply, so putting out a fire could have been a dastardly deed.
Delighted you did not mind the poke since you know it is my extreme pleasure to "crack you up" at each and every opportunity.
Thanks for finding the way and the "masterpeice" remark. You're the one!
Hello, ladyjane. Delighted you had such a good laugh, and you are on the mark about growing up in the yurt. Mud floor, no heat, rain as the only running water, etc.
No problem yet with forgetting long dreams. If I do, I just make up the parts I don't remember.
Thank you for the "brilliant," the rated up and pushing all my buttons. You have permission to push them all any time, anywhere. Cheers to you, too.
Nice to meet you and your hard-to-forget biblical name, burning bush.
Thanks for your perceptive comments. If you are thinking of reading up on Dracula alias Vlad the Impaler, I can save you time and effort. That lovable Transylvania character is next to be interviewed.
Happy you found Genghis "enjoyable." His enemies might not have shared your view.:)
Melinda, m'luv,
Delighted you found time to join the party. The episode about Genghis holding the blood clot in his fist is true. The allusion to "Rhode Island" may be fictional. But you enjoyed it. That's all that matters.
Thanks for the well done. The pleasure is all mine.
Loved how you put it in dialogue. It's a very enjoyable read ;)
A magisterial effort. Humbling, really. Of course, where I stand, Genghis won't arrive for a few thousand years. I'm not surprised, though, man is ever so: we sue for peace and keep making weapons. I must return to my barrel and meditate on all this....Good luck in the vote...you have mine. Diogenes
Welcome, 25, hope you don't mind my using your nickname. How nice to see you here and I'm delighted you "loved" my dialogue-rich historical hub. And "enjoyable," too. You always know the right things to say. :)
Wow, 'magisterial' and 'humbling' in the same sentence. I am honored by your presence and your literate comments. Do hope you are not still sleeping in that marketplace tub and carrying your lantern around in the daytime.
Thank you for finding me and the good luck wishes. Happy to make your acquaintance.
I like the hub and the videos. You have taught really well and the layout was awesome. thanks for all these information
Welcome, saleheensblog, nice to meet you. Thank you for stopping by and your gracious comments. Delighted you like the hub, the videos, the information and the "awesome" layout. No thanks are necessary, it was my pleasure!
Good luck with your "top of the class" nomination!
Hi, Jeremey, nice to see you here. Thank you for the good luck wishes. The nomination for "top of the class" came as a complete surprise to me. Didn't even know it existed. :)
I'm sure he was at the Khan film festival talking to Elvis. Great hub full of daft nonsense that idiots like you and I thrive on. Cheers
Actually, ah, the photo of Genghis with Bush took place at the Sundance Film Festival. Genghis was there hoping to persuade Robert Redford to film the story of his life. Working title is "Road to Mongolia."
Thanks a bunch for the "daft nonsense" comment. As for the "idiot" designation - I'm truly honored. It's a step above my former cognomen - imbecile.
I solemnly welcome this hub for it expands people's understanding of other nations and cultures! I'm acutely aware that people can break their tongues by trying to pronounce those Mongolian names... Nevertheless, as Vygotsky taught us, developing one's language one enhances their thinking.
Thank you, moncrieff, for both your visit and your literate comments. I was pleasantly surprised by your reference to Lev Vygotsky since many in the U.S. may not be aware of his brilliant (to me) social psychology theories.
Makes one wonder, doesn't it, who was Genghis' mentor?
Very funny and educational. I'll always prefer to read history like this! Thank you!
Thank you, Micky, for visiting and your approving comments. Like you, I enjoy my educational history laced with humor. Makes it much more palatable and memorable. Try not to miss my other "undead" Interviews - I would appreciate your views.
WOW, none but your shawdow indeed, it seems as though he lived by this, little did he know his shawdow would be lurking about all these years later. Your a brillant and widely creative mind who just keeps getting better. I love this interviewing segment look forward to reading the others. Thanks so your craft it's a pleasure. Peace :)
Yes, katie, Genghis' mom seemed to be a very wise woman. She realized, because of the age they were living in, that her son would live longer if he only trusted his shadow.
Thank you immensely for such awesome comments - all true of course.
'Brilliant and widely creative', eh? Come back - any time. Peace upon you, too, my dear.
Brilliant. It is hard to decide which of your interviews is best, this one or Dracula. I shall settle for saying they are both awesome. Thank you.
Thank you, christophe. 'Brilliant and awesome' - two of my very favorite Hub adjectives. Now you are one of my favorites, too. :)
A very thorough, and delightful history lesson drbj. I always loved history, but you have made it come alive. This is better than watching the movie. Love the humor.
Hail and welcome, lovely Duchess. I am honored by your presence. Especially since you loved my history lesson and were kind enough to leave all those delicious comments. Thank you. You inspire me to even greater heights. Well, maybe not great heights, but definitely large hills!
Temujin was far too modest in this interview. I have it on good authority that Al Gore got the ideas for both the Internet and global warming from the Great Khan as well.
Voted Up and Across. I particularly liked the fact that a man was not put to death until his third bankruptcy, especially I've only had two of those....
Oh, you're living dangerously, Ghost 32, with two bankruptcies to your credit. Or would the appropriate term be to your debit?
Not surprised at all that Gore may have channeled Genghis - some of his utterances have been 'out of this world.'
Thanks for finding this and your literate comments. It's my pleasure to meet you.
I have a question, how did you communicate with emperor Genghis Khan? Was it a face book communication? You have recalled my memory of history I read that in his biography early of my school level. After reading this hub article I wish to read that book again.
Hi, upal, nice to see you here. I couldn't communicate with Genghis via FB - he didn't know how to read. Although he helped to create a language when he became Khan. I had to use my supernatural ESP power to learn about his life and times. I'm delighted that this hub may provide the impetus for you to read about him again.
HI (DRBJ) One of my favoriate parts was his ability to send in people ahead of the attack and scare the hell out of the defenders so as to avoid bloodshed. A real KAHN MAN.( CHEAP SHOT)Great artical thanks again.ED.
Now that was a pistol, Ed, NOT a cheap shot. You're firing on all eight cylinders, my man. Genghis was a Khan Man - now why didn't I think of that?
Thanks (drbj)You are of VERY sharp wit and so entertaining to read.I get this feeling that you could sometimes put a pie like this(KHAN MAN) in the window for someone like me to bite on.If so or if not its a blast to be able to play.Thanks again and continue to stay happy.ED.
You know I will stay happy with clever commenters like yourself finding me, Ed, and leaving perspicacious remarks. Delighted you are having a blast reading my stuff - may you live long in good health and prosper.
I have spoken!
(drbj) Again I say unto you and bestow MANY THANKS ---- THEN-- "SO BE IT"--- And ALLWAYS SHALL BE---"AS WRITEN THIS-8th MONTH 7th DAY OF OUR LORD 2011-AD.-ED.
Hi!!! How interesting!! I just noticed you interviewed yourself in your profile!! I've been interviewing since I was about 10 years old...I was always a nosy, curious child and that's how I got my other nickname the "Queen Of Questions." Interesting how you conduct your interviews. Well done. I don't know how I didn't notice these before. Voted UP!!!:)
What a pleasure to have you here, dear Sunshine questioner. Perhaps you were a prosecutor in a former life or maybe an HR recruiter. Even, perish forbid, a psychologist. Like you, I question almost everything I learn so we do have a lot in common.
Thank you for finding this interview and the UP. Now you only have about 19 more of these Interviews to read. :)
Genghis Khan was a cruel leader. He surrounded with many massacre. Killed thousand of people. I love to know about history, but you have made it come alive. The interview style is very well done.
Nice to meet you, soumen. Despite his methods which were common in his time, Genghis was revered by his people. Thank you for the visit and your 'come alive' comment. The interview style is one of my favorites - thank you for appreciating it.
Amazing hub! I will be coming to this hub to read more and be reading more of what you write. Voted up, of course.
Thank you, awayre, for finding Genghis and your kind comments. 'Amazing hub' is one of my all-time favorites. So is 'reading more of what I write.' And thanks for the Up! Genghis thanks you, too.
DrBJ, This is my favorite of all your fascinating, humorous, informative interviews. In particular, I enjoyed the comparisons between then and now in politico-economic strategies and through names. Also, I liked your bringing the advance PR of Genghis Khan footloose and fancy-full of protecting Mongolian culture through territorial conquest.
Genghis was an individual of his times and all times as well as a person beyond the constraints of time in his appreciation of family and friends, hard work, nature and simplicity. In terms of cruelty, I favor him over my least favorite monarchs, William of Normandy and Matilda of Flanders.
Thank you for sharing, voted up + all (of course since it's DrBJ).
Respectfully, Derdriu
P.S. Why did Genghis say Coffee Party instead of Tea Party?
It is always a treat, my dear Derdriu, to find you here at one of my hubs. What a coincidence that you found this interview with Genghis to be one of your favorites. It's one of my favorites, too, for two reasons: first, because I was able to find so many interesting and funny parallels between Genghis' life and life today; and second, because it was the first of the 20 or so Interviews I have written. I guess the first 'baby' is always special.
The Khan may have been illiterate but he was brilliant in military strategy and possessed an inborn knowledge of what his people needed.
Thank you, m'luv, for finding him and for all the superlative adjectives and Up vote. You asked, why did he mention Coffee Party instead of Tea Party? He did . . . because he could! :)
drbj, you're parabolic style sense of humor is exhilarating; you're a very talented writer.
Voted up and interesting
John
Hi, John. I've been called many things in my lifetime, but your 'parabolic' appellation is a first. Thank you ... I think. I am fond of 'exhilating sense of humor' and 'talented writer,' though so don't stop dropping in. And thank you for the Up.
sord87 Level 1 Commenter 18 months ago
He was a legend of Mongolian history,I have seen a few film and drama about him.Thanks for sharing!Better change part 1-5 video,the account of that video was terminated!nothing come out!