Монгол домог зүй дахь нохойны дүр, бэлгэдэл

Symbols of Dog in Mongol Myths

Abstract

The symbolism of dogs in Mongol myths is analyzed in this paper by explaining the meanings of Mongolian idioms through mythological narratives. According to Mongolian myths, the dog is an archetypical character that becomes indebted to humans after being remiss with his duties. The dog is depicted as a creature that owes a life to humans, and only by devoting his life to the good of humans can he be liberated from the burden and entitle himself to be reincarnated as a human. In the creation myth, the dog’s character is depicted as a casualty in the conflict between God and the Devil that transpired during the process of human creation. Although the dog was tasked to protect humans from the Devil, he neglected his duties and was punished by God.
During the domestication of dogs, yellow-coated dogs became a symbol of social status and were deeply tied to aristocratic culture. As the relationship between humans and dogs deepened, the mythical dog became the dog of traditions, enriching the dog’s character. Mongolians started to symbolize loyalty and vigilance through the dog.