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Ööld Folk Tales: Galdanni Khöndei


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Authors

Bulag, Uradyn E. 
Fuerwa, Dorjraa 

Abstract

This video explores how Ööld folk stories and historical events intertwined with the surrounding mountains, rivers, and other natural landscapes. Nilkha County, encircled by mountains, features notable landmarks such as Bulag Mountain to the north and Baastai Mountain to the south, between the Khöngos River and Hashiin Gol River. Bulag Mountain, situated directly above Bortal Mongolian, holds significance as a historical dwelling place for Mongols, evidenced by the enduring Mongolian names despite the absence of Mongolian residents today. Interestingly, the Mongolian names in the vicinity of Nilkha Mountain are gradually transitioning to other languages such as Kazakh, Uyghur, and Chinese. Baastai Mountain, flanked by the Khöngos River and Hash River, is home to Galdan’s cave, a site steeped in legend as the refuge that saved Galdan and his troops during a conflict with the Manchu. Despite the passage of time, remnants of religious artefacts can still be found in the area, alongside a nearby spring providing sustenance for those seeking refuge within the cave. In addition to these folk tales, local Öölds offer diverse descriptions of the mountains, caves, and natural landscapes, connecting them to both their everyday lives and significant historical events.

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Keywords

Öölds, Folk stories, Jungar Khanate, Galdan, Nilah County, Bulag Mountain

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Publisher

Kalmyk Cultural Heritage Documentation Project, University of Cambridge

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Sponsorship
Sponsored by Arcadia Fund, a charitable fund of Lisbet Rausing and Peter Baldwin.