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I am fascinated with this story. Doing the research, I found myself in a wormhole of Mongolian culture, history, and more importantly… the textiles!

Khutulun (1260 – 1306) was the favorite child of her father, Kaidu (she was also Kublai Khan’s niece). Kaidu was the most powerful ruler of Central Asia.

Marco Polo described Khutulun as a superb warrior, one who could ride into enemy ranks and snatch a captive as easily as a hawk snatches a chicken.

Aside from being a fierce warrior, she was also quite brilliant. Khutulun insisted that anyone that wanted to marry her, must defeat her in a wrestling match. If they lost, they hand over their horse. Rumor has it, that she acquired over 10,000 horses. HA! Too bad, so sad.

Eventually she did marry (without a wrestling match.) His identity is questionable, as various sources have conflicting information. Some say her husband was a follower of Kaidu, others say he was an enemy, trying to take over his lands.

Kaidu tried to name Khutulun as his successor, but this was forbidden, due to the fact that she had so many brothers. Guess they didn’t take into consideration her GIANT ARMY OF HORSES.  When Kaidu passed away, Khutulun spent the rest of her life guarding his tomb.

There is a fabulous and more in-depth article on Khutulun here: https://kellybarnhill.wordpress.com/2012/09/14/butt-kicking-princesses-in-history-khutulun-the-wrestler-princess/