The year 1206 marked a significant milestone in human history, as Temüjin united the Mongolian tribes and established the Mongol Empire. During this year, his loyal subjects conferred upon him the title “Genghis Khan,” meaning “the Universal Ruler.” Genghis Khan began rewarding his loyal warriors for their contributions following his coronation. Yet, amid this acknowledgment, one man, Bo’orchu, was overlooked.
The bond between Genghis Khan and Bo’orchu
Bo’orchu was one of Genghis Khan’s most trusted allies, known for his military prowess and a deep-rooted friendship with the future Khan that began in their youth. After the death of Temüjin’s father, his family faced abandonment and hardship. One fateful day, eight horses — virtually all the family’s possessions — were stolen by raiders. Temüjin pursued them for two days and nights until he encountered a young Bo’orchu milking a mare.
Bo’orchu, the only son of Nahubiyan, was young, but had a warm and generous spirit. Upon hearing of Temüjin’s plight, he immediately offered to help, saying: “Friend, you are in distress; let me accompany you and lend you my strength.” Without informing his father, he took one of his father’s horses for Temüjin to ride while he mounted another.
The two friends galloped across the vast steppes in pursuit of the thieves, but after two days of searching, they still had not spotted the missing horses. On the evening of the third day, they finally found the eight horses grazing in a pen. As they rushed in to retrieve them, the raiders realized their horses were gone and quickly set off in pursuit.
Bo’orchu called out to Temüjin: “Friend! Give me a bow and arrow; I will shoot them!” But Temüjin insisted: “I cannot allow you to be harmed. I will take aim myself!” The situation grew tense as night fell, allowing the raiders to retreat. After three grueling days, he and Temüjin then raced back to Bo’orchu’s home.
Temüjin was immensely grateful for Bo’orchu’s selfless assistance. He proposed: “Friend! If it weren’t for your help, we would have never regained these horses. Let us share them.” He firmly declined, replying: “I aided you because I sympathized with your hardships, not for profit. I am Nahubiyan’s son, and my father’s wealth is sufficient for me. I cannot take any of your horses!”
Meanwhile, Nahubiyan was distraught over the fear of losing his son. When Bo’orchu returned home, he wept with joy, and to celebrate their friendship, he roasted a lamb for Temüjin to enjoy on his journey. He advised both young men: “From now on, take care of each other. Never speak ill of one another or abandon your friendship.”
Bo’orchu’s loyalty in battle
Later, Bo’orchu joined Temüjin in his campaigns, fighting valiantly at his side. During an expedition against the Tatar tribe, he and his companion Muqali shielded Temüjin from the harsh elements, standing guard against the snow and rain until dawn broke.
Genghis Khan’s oversight
On the day of his coronation, as the sun set, Genghis Khan returned to his wife, Börte. She chastised him for neglecting Bo’orchu’s contributions. “Isn’t Bo’orchu your loyal companion from your youth? Wasn’t he the most trustworthy during your struggles? How could you forget him?” Genghis Khan replied: “I only pretended to forget him! I could never truly overlook such a loyal vassal. My feigned forgetfulness is a tactic to humble those who envy Bo’orchu. I know him well; he will not harbor resentment even if he believes I have forgotten his service.”
After saying this, Genghis Khan immediately sent messengers to inquire about Bo’orchu. Upon returning home, his wife lamented the Khan’s ingratitude, but he reassured her: “I serve the Khan not for rewards. Even if I die hungry in his service, I will give my all for him. My only wish is for the stability of my Khan’s golden tent.”
The following day, Genghis Khan convened a meeting to publicly express his gratitude: “Noble Bo’orchu! When I was at my lowest, without weapons, you stood by me as a faithful friend. You fearlessly faced danger on my behalf. No one else here can claim your level of bravery or loyalty. All of you princes, ministers, and commoners, remember my words: Bo’orchu stands above us all!”
Translated by Katy Liu
Follow us on X, Facebook, or Pinterest
