Temüjin's Early Life and Family Background

Temüjin, later known as Genghis Khan, was born into a complex family dynamic that shaped his early life and future leadership. He was the son of Yesügei, a tribal chief, and Hö'elün, his chief wife. As Temüjin and his half-brother Behter grew older, tensions arose regarding their claims to their father's legacy. Temüjin, being the son of the chief wife, had a strong claim, but Behter, who was older by at least two years, also had aspirations for leadership. This rivalry was further complicated by the possibility of Behter marrying Hö'elün under levirate law, which would have positioned him as Temüjin's stepfather. The competition for their father's favor and the division of hunting spoils led to escalating conflicts between the brothers. The culmination of these tensions resulted in a violent confrontation. Temüjin and his younger brother Qasar ambushed and killed Behter, an act that was considered taboo and omitted from official chronicles but recorded in the Secret History of the Mongols. Following this incident, their mother, Hö'elün, expressed her anger towards her sons for their actions. Despite the familial strife, Behter's younger brother, Belgutei, chose not to seek revenge and instead aligned himself with Temüjin, becoming one of his most trusted followers. This early conflict and the subsequent alliances formed would play a crucial role in Temüjin's rise to power and the unification of the Mongol tribes.