PARK Hwan-Young. (2010). The Folkloric Study of Animals Found in the Secret History of the Mongols. Altai Hakpo 20: 71-91. The Altaic Society of Korea.

In the course of investigating the Mongolian nomadic culture, animals are found to be one of the most important cultural codes. So animals are embedded in every aspects of Mongolian nomadic folklore and culture. In order to explore animal symbols and folklore, the Secret History of the Mongols is analysed, because it contains not only historical documents but also displays traditional nomadic culture. Inside the Secret History of the Mongols, in relation to animal symbols and folklore, we can divide into four main topics such as folk classification, folk symbols and metaphors, folklore for livelihood and folklore of time.

Firstly, in the field of folk classification, five main Mongolian livestock (horses, cows, sheep, goats, camels) are classified according to their colour, age, motion, physical distinction, etc. Those classificatory elements concerning livestock are unique characteristics in the Mongolian nomadic life.

Secondly, folk symbols and metaphors are used in the Secret History of the Mongols to realistically describe historical figures and events. In other words, on the basis of some images and perception of animals, historical stories are symbolically as well as metaphorically presented.

Thirdly, it is meaningful to note that folklore for livelihood projects nomadic ways of living in details. In particular, historical documents inside the Secret History of the Mongols reflect that grazing livestock as well as hunting wild animals were crucial activities for nomadic people at that time.

Lastly, in the Mongolian folk culture, twelve zodiac animals are used to indicate days, months and years. Likewise in the Secret History of the Mongols years were represented by these animals. In that sense, it is clear that animals were a significant cultural code to read nomadic cultures during the 13th century when the Secret History of the Mongols was written.

Keywords: Secret History of the Mongols, animals, folk classification, symbols and metaphor, folklore of livelihood, folklore of time