Traditions of nature and ecology themes in ancient Mongolian literature

Abstract

In this article, the author presents a classification of Mongolian folklore and modern poetic works on the themes of nature conservation and ecology, based on specific examples of epics, blessings, praise, and poems. The teachings of the Mongolian people, such as cutting down trees, destroying plant roots, hunting animals, and breaking nests, are wellestablished in Mongolian folklore. Even today, the Mongolian people have established basic principles and guidelines for how to properly interact with mother nature, and the idea of respecting, loving, and protecting nature has survived to this day. There are many ideas in ancient Mongolian literature that praise, love, and protect mother earth, mountains, water, heaven, earth, plants, and animals. It is common to find passages in praise, legends, epics, and poems that praise and admire nature, mountains, water, and plants. This has had a great influence on future generations to love and protect their animals, and to respect and protect their mountains and water as “owners” and “living” and to preserve them in their pristine state. Today, this idea and tradition remains, and it has become the main foundation of our Mongolian understanding of nature conservation.

Keywords

• ancient mongolian art
• major works
• nature
• earth
• sky
• sun and moon worship