Mongolian Tuuli is an oral tradition consisting of heroic epics that run from hundreds to thousands of lines. These epics combine benedictions, eulogies, spells, idiomatic phrases, fairy tales, myths, and folk songs. Mongolian Tuuli is an encyclopedia of Mongolian oral traditions and immortalizes the glorious history of the Mongolian people. The Mongolian Tuuli emerged out of ancient tribal society, which had a patriarchal culture. In the fourth century A.D., the heroic accomplishments of Mongolian ancestors were glorified and worshipped. As a result, in Mongolia, the Tuuli was established at the beginning of the century. Mongolian epics are considered to be equivalent or sometimes superior in both form and composition to world classics like the Iliad and Odyssey of Greece, The Song of Roland of France, Ramayana, and Mahabharata of India, and The Tale of Igor’s Campaign of Russia. Several studies have revealed that Mongolia has performed over 200 epics. Mongolia is one of the few countries in the world that has preserved the oral epic tradition by passing it on from generation to generation until the early 21st century.
Epic performances have both aesthetic and ritualistic values. The epics are mostly performed during the winter and the first thunder of the summer. The epics are also usually performed at night. Some epics are presented within a single night, some epics are presented across several nights. The period covered by epics spans decades, demonstrating traditional knowledge, culture, and history. A specially trained performer performs the epic following strict rules and procedures accompanied by musical instruments, such as a fiddle, accordion, or lute. In some parts of the country, epics are performed only with the use of the vocal expression, and no musical instruments are used. Without the eulogies of the Altai and Khangai Mountains, no epic would be complete. This is to invoke the “Master Spirit” of the Altai Mountains before performing the epic itself. There is even a saying: "No epic can be told without Altai, and no household can exist without a wife." Scholars and epic performers both agree that those who can communicate with the earth masters can compose epics. They believe that epics are often performed in collaboration with earth masters at dusk.
As a true expression of Mongolian culture, epic storytelling is a window into Mongolian history and social interaction, as well as a window into the lifestyle of Mongolians. The epics evolved over many centuries, reflecting nomadic lifestyles, social behaviors, religion, and mentalities. Imaginations play an important role in the creation of epic stories. Performing artists learn and teach epic traditions between generations, passing them along from father to son. Through epics, Mongolians pass down their historical knowledge and values to younger generations, strengthening awareness of national identity, pride, and unity. Today, however, the number of epic trainers and students is decreasing. With the gradual disappearance of the Mongol epic, the transmission of historical and cultural knowledge is deteriorating.
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