SOURCE2 The Secret History of the Mongols is a mixture of prose and verse, and contains many lessons. The following is an excerpt describing a lesson the mother of Genghis Khan taught her sons.
She gave unto each [of her five sons] a single arrow shaft, saying ‘Break [it]!’ The single [arrow shaft] — how could they have hindered [it from breaking]? — each brake and cast away. Again, she bound five arrow shafts together in a bundle and gave [them to her sons], saying, ‘Break [them]!’ All five, holding, every person, the five arrow shafts bound in a bundle, were in turn not able to break [them].
SkillBuilder discussion Using historical sources
1. What lesson do you think Genghis Khan’s mother was trying to teach her sons by using the example of the arrow shafts? 2. Why do you think the author chose to use both prose and verse in The Secret History of the Mongols ? How does this combination affect the storytelling? 3. In what ways can the metaphor of the single arrow versus the bundle of arrows be applied to other aspects of Mongol society or Mongol military strategies? The writings of explorers During the Middle Ages, people in Europe called China the ‘Middle Kingdom’ because the Chinese had long referred to their own land this way, believing it was the centre of civilisation, with other regions surrounding it. Legends of its wealth and mystery filled the popular imagination. Following the publication of The Travels of Marco Polo , interest in the region increased. Sources such as SOURCE3 give information about both the Mongols and what other societies thought of the Mongols. 10.2.3 SOURCE3 Marco Polo’s descriptions of the khan’s prowess on and off the battlefield helped to make the Great Khan a celebrity in Europe. When Nayan and his men saw their camp thus encircled by the khan and his host, they were seized with amaze; yet they ran to arms, formed themselves in order of battle, and were soon prepared to strike. Then began the beating on many instruments, and singing with loud voices; for it is the custom of the Tartars [Mongols], that until the horn termed naccar is winded the troops do not engage. But when that grand trumpet of the great khan was sounded, all the other performers began playing, and raising their voices very loud, making a noise that was truly most wonderful. Then the two armies rushed against each other with sword, spear, and lance, while the footmen were prepared with bow and quiver. The battle was fierce and cruel; the arrows filled the air like rain; horses and horsemen were seen falling to the ground; and the tumult was such, that if Jove had thundered, he could not have been heard. Nayan was a baptized Christian, and therefore had the cross upon his standard. Never, in our day, was there so hard and terrible a combat, nor so many assembled on one field, especially of horsemen; and the number who fell on both sides was fearful to behold. The battle continued from nine in the morning till midday; but the great khan at last remained master of the field.
10.2.4 Everyday objects To better understand the lives of the Mongol people, it is important to look at the everyday objects they left behind (see SOURCE1 ). Much can be learned from simple things like tools, jewellry, houses and food.
Jacaranda Humanities Alive 8 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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