Bo'orchu (Mongolian:Боорчи,Boorchi) was one of the first and most loyal ofGenghis Khan's friends and allies.[1] He first met Genghis Khan as a boy. At that time, Genghis Khan (then Temujin) was looking for his stolen horses. Bo'orchu helped him win back the horses,[1][2] and returned with Temujin to his father,Nakhu Bayan, who scolded him, having feared he was dead. Later, Temujin sentHasar to get Bo'orchu and bring him to Temujin's camp. Bo'orchu refused any reward for helping Temujin recover the stolen horses, but recognized his authority and attached to him as anökör (i.e. "free companion"), leaving his own family.[2]
After Temujin's wife,Börte, was abducted by theMerkits and he was forced to flee, Bo'orchu was sent to spy on the Merkits withBelgutei andJelme.[3] After Temujin took the titles Genghis Khan andGreat Khan of the Mongols, Bo'orchu was made head of the Khan's followers along with Jelme.
When Genghis Khan was at Dalannemurges to fight theTatars, heavy rain fell and Bo'orchu stood over the Khan with a felt sheet to shelter him.[4][5] Genghis Khan later rewarded Bo'orchu for this deed, praising him for he only shifted his weight from one foot to the other once during the night.[4] Bo'orchu was later shot off his horse during a battle againstJamukha in theKhalakhaljid Sands. He stole an enemy horse and returned the next day, helping to find the enemy position. Bo'orchu was one of the most trusted friends ofÖgedei,Genghis Khan's son and the second ruler of theMongol Empire.
In modernMongolia, Bo'orchu is commemorated with a statue in front of theGovernment Palace inSükhbaatar Square,Ulaanbaatar. His andMuqali's statues flank a larger statue of Genghis Khan.[6]
