TheMongol mythology is the traditional religion of the Mongols.
There are many Mongol creation myths. In one, the creation of the world is attributed to a Buddhist deityLama. At the start of time, there was only water, and from the heavens, Lama came down to it holding an iron rod with which he began to stir. As he began to stir the water, the stirring brought about a wind and fire which caused a thickening at the centre of the waters to form the earth.[1] Another narrative also attributes the creation of heaven and earth to a lama who is called Udan. Udan began by separating earth from heaven, and then dividing heaven and earth both into nine stories, and creating nine rivers. After the creation of the earth itself, the first male and female couple were created out of clay. They would become the progenitors ofall humanity.[2]
In another example the world began as an agitating gas which grew increasingly warm and damp, precipitating a heavy rain that created the oceans. Dust and sand emerged to the surface and became earth.[2] Yet another account tells of theBuddha Sakyamuni searching the surface of the sea for a means to create the earth and spotted a golden frog. From its east side, Buddha pierced the frog through, causing it to spin and face north. From its mouth burst fire, and its rump streamed water. Buddha tossed golden sand on his back which became land. And this was the origin of the five earthly elements, wood and metal from the arrow, and fire, water and sand.[2] These myths date from the 17th century when Yellow Shamanism (Tibetan Buddhism using shamanistic forms) was established in Mongolia. Black Shamanism and White Shamanism from pre-Buddhist times survive only in far-northern Mongolia (aroundLake Khuvsgul) and the region aroundLake Baikal where Lamaist persecution had not been effective.
Thewolf, falcon,deer andhorse were important symbolic animals.
TheUliger are traditional epic tales and theEpic of King Gesar is shared with much ofCentral Asia andTibet.
TheEpic of King Gesar (Ges'r, Kesar) is aMongol religious epic aboutGeser (also known asBuche Beligte), a prophet ofTengriism.
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