Riddles and Recreations Among Oirats

Abstract

Recreational activities among Oirats, as pastoralist people predating modern technology, hold a distinct place in cultural heritage and remain a significant aspect of Mongolian culture today. In former times, Oirats would convene during the evenings, and engage in activities such as singing the Epic Jangar, recounting Geser stories, and playing the Topshur instrument, all widely regarded as primary forms of Mongolian entertainment. Additionally, the solving of riddles served as a prominent intellectual pursuit among Oirats, who would gather at night to challenge one another with these brainteasers. In this video, Gonchig shares 100 such riddles which he memorised from elders and recorded in his small notebook.