Literature of Mongolia

The heroic epics of the Mongols – historic texts of war and feuding, myths or origin, administrative manuals of empire. Diplomatic histories of hordes and dynasties and biographies of great khans – were all first committed to writing over 750 years ago. 

Later, Mongolia developed an enormous Buddhist literature, with thousands of subtle treatises on meditation, philosophy and the meaning of life, including the 108-volume Gaanjuur, and Sandui Djud, a 10-volume collection old Sutras (Buddhist sayings) decorated with an estimated 50kg of gold and 400kg of silver. These are now on display at the State Central Library In Ulaanbaatar. Despite a variety of scripts Mongolia has produced a huge literature, almost none of which is known to speakers of European languages.  Only recently have scholars translated into English the most important text of all – Mongol-un Nigucha Tobchiyan, or 'The Secret History of  the Mongols' – which celebrates Mongolia's days of greatness on the world stage. The date of the work is known (1240), but so far. the author remains a mystery.

Epics and legends

This ancient genre, enriched by generations, combines poetry, songs, music and the individuality of each performer. Singers may sing with or without a musical instrument. These sung stories are told from memory and may have thousands of quatrains. Such long stories are usually performed on a long winter night.

By combining stories, music and drama, herders organize a kind of home school. The children, while playing various collective games with bone and wooden toys, listen to the songs and learn about history, life and folklore. Geser, Jangar, Khan Kharankhui, and Bum Erdene are classic legend and story songs. Each is a library of folk wisdom and national heritage.

Source from www.guide-mongolia.com