Hoelun was the mother of Mongol Khan Genghis Khan (grandmother of Ogedei Khan, first emperor of Yuan Dynasty) and wife of Yesükhei, the chief of the Kiyad clan. After Yesükhei's death, his clan abandoned Hoelun and his sons including Genghis Khan (Temujin by birth) and therefore raising Genghis Khan in the most harshest environment on the Mongolian steppes. In Mongolian legend, she is perceived as teaching Genghis and his brothers the basics of unity and support for one another, even though Temujin slayed his brother on a disagreement over hunting spoils.

Hoelun was born to the Olkunut tribe. She later married a member of the Merkit tribe, but was abducted by Yesugei on their way back to the Merkit camp. Yesugei made Hoelun his chief wife, an honor since only the chief wife may give birth to his heirs.

See also

• History of Mongolia
• Genghis Khan
• Ogedei Khan