Subutai: Sorting Fact from Fiction Surrounding the Mongol Empire’s Greatest General (With Translations of Subutai’s Two Biographies in the Yuan Shi)

Abstract

Abstract Subutai [Sübe’etei], often referred to as the greatest of the Mongol Empire’s generals, has increasingly become a topic of popular interest. However, the literature about him continues to rely on secondary sources so that popular and scholarly work alike often contains and perpetuates ahistorical statements regarding his origins and his military career. Based on the assumption that many errors have been perpetuated because Chinese source material has not been sufficiently integrated into available Western literature, this paper aims to offer a two-part corrective to the problem. First, an introductory essay will analyze several aspects of Subutai’s life and career that are often misrepresented. Secondly, complete English translations of the two biographies of Subutai found in the 121st and 122nd chapters of the Yuan Shi are provided.