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Senggum

Senggum

Senggum (simplified: 桑昆, traditional: 桑昆, Jyutping: song1 kwan1, pinyin: Sāng Kūn) was the son of Wang Khan, the leader of the Keraite tribe, and a rival of Temüjin during the late Song Dynasty period. He was known for his arrogance, jealousy, and his role in the conflicts between the Keraite and Mongol tribes.

Biography

Family background

Senggum was the son of Wang Khan, the leader of the Keraite tribe. His father had adopted Temüjin as a foster son, making Senggum and Temüjin foster brothers, though they never became sworn brothers (anda).

Temüjin

Senggum harbored deep jealousy and resentment toward Temüjin, despite their foster brother relationship. He was particularly angered when his father praised Temüjin’s military prowess and the Four Heroes, feeling that his own contributions were being overlooked.

Encounter with Jin princes

Senggum accompanied Wang Khan to meet the Jin princes Wanyan Hongxi and Wanyan Honglie. During the meeting, he displayed his arrogance by insulting Zhebie, a Ten Commander under Temüjin, when the latter tried to drink from Senggum’s golden cup.

Military campaigns

Senggum participated in several military campaigns alongside his father and Temüjin. During the battle against the Naiman tribe, he led troops in a coordinated attack that helped achieve victory. However, his military contributions were often overshadowed by his personal conflicts with Temüjin.

Death and aftermath

Senggum was killed during the chaos of battle when Wang Khan and Jamukha’s forces were defeated. His death occurred during the same battle that claimed Wang Khan’s life, marking the end of the Keraite tribe’s resistance against Temüjin’s growing power.

Personality and traits

Arrogance and pride

Senggum was characterized by his arrogance and pride, particularly in his interactions with others. He displayed this trait when he insulted Zhebie for attempting to drink from his golden cup, showing his sense of superiority and entitlement.

Jealousy and resentment

Senggum harbored deep jealousy toward Temüjin, feeling overshadowed by his foster brother’s achievements and military prowess. This jealousy drove much of his behavior and contributed to the tensions between the Keraite and Mongol tribes.

Military competence

Despite his personal flaws, Senggum demonstrated military competence during campaigns. He was able to lead troops effectively and contributed to victories against enemy tribes, showing that he possessed genuine martial abilities.

Martial arts abilities

Military leadership

Senggum possessed military leadership abilities that allowed him to command troops effectively during campaigns. His skills were sufficient to lead coordinated attacks against enemy tribes and contribute to battlefield victories.

Combat experience

As the son of Wang Khan, Senggum received training in traditional Mongol warfare techniques. His combat experience was gained through participation in various military campaigns against rival tribes.

Relationships

Wang Khan

Senggum’s primary relationship was with his father Wang Khan, the leader of the Keraite tribe. Despite their familial bond, Senggum often felt overshadowed by his father’s praise for Temüjin.

Temüjin

Senggum’s relationship with Temüjin was complex and adversarial. Although they were foster brothers through Wang Khan’s adoption of Temüjin, Senggum harbored deep jealousy and resentment toward him.

Jin princes

Senggum interacted with the Jin princes Wanyan Hongxi and Wanyan Honglie during diplomatic meetings, where he displayed his arrogant personality and sense of entitlement.

Behind the scenes

Senggum serves as an important antagonist in The Legend of the Condor Heroes, representing the traditional rivalries and conflicts that characterized the Mongol steppe during this period. His character demonstrates how personal jealousy and ambition could undermine tribal unity and contribute to larger conflicts.

Historical significance

Senggum’s character is based on historical figures from the Mongol period, representing the complex relationships between different tribal leaders and their families during the unification of the Mongol tribes under Temüjin’s leadership.

See also